New York - Cameras to Catch Speeders May Arrive Soon

NEW YORK — Is a proposal by New York lawmakers an attempt to curb your need for speed or a move to help meet the need for revenue?

A bill introduced in Albany would allow New York City to install up to 40 cameras around town to catch speeders. They would work like the red-light cameras already in place by automatically issuing violations, CBS 2′s Dick Brennan reported.

Under the proposal, if you go more than 10 miles over the 30 mph speed limit, the fine would be $50. If drivers go more than 30 mph over, the fine doubles to $100.

But in any case, drivers would get no points on their license.

With a roll of his eyes and a little smile, Danny Rodriguez admitted he speeds every now and then.

“Ten miles over the speed limit — many times,” Rodriguez told 1010 WINS’ Al Jones on Tuesday night.

So Rodriguez is not really happy with the plan to put the cameras up around the city.

“Stop signs and red-lights, I agree with. A little bit over the speed limit? Everyone goes a little over the speed limit once in a while,” he said.

Rather than vowing to slow down, some drivers said they will try to avoid the cameras rather than avoid speeding.

“We gotta take it one day at a time and try to catch their different tactics,” Benji Colangy said.

The bill could pass the Senate, before the session ends this week.

“I think it’s embarrassing the city is trying different ways to milk the citizens of this country,” said Danielle Beckforth.

Speed cameras have been installed in more than 100 communities around the nation. In some cities, dangerous speeding dropped by nearly 90 percent, CBS 2′s Brennan reported.

Despite that, AAA’s Robert Sinclair said revenue and not safety seems to be the motivation in this case even though his organization supports red-light cameras.

“The camera being set up to record somebody’s speed does nothing to remove a reckless speeder from the road,” Sinclair told WCBS 880′s Jim Smith.

Sinclair also said cameras don’t allow for due process.

“It’s impossible to be able to defend yourself and we don’t think the public would stand for it,” Sinclair said.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that New Jersey has suspended a red-light camera program Tuesday in 21 of 25 municipalities participating in a pilot program.

The state’s Department of Transportation said tickets will not be issued at 63 of 85 locations in the state where the cameras are installed.

The suspension apparently stems from the cameras not being properly tested with the signal lights. The municipalities where the program was temporarily halted must re-certify the timing of its yellow lights.