Red light cameras to double

Albany has just passed legislation that calls for the installation of an additional 50 red light cameras in the city. The new cameras would double the amount of operational cameras already in the five boroughs to 100.
&#8220We have not picked out the locations yet,” said Craig Chin, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation (DOT). &#8220This may take several months. We're currently going through the procurement process to get the hardware and locations.”
According to Chin, the DOT is working with Borough Commanders and the Police Department to identify the specific areas where the cameras would be installed. It is still unsure how many would be in Queens.
In addition to saving lives, the new cameras will generate an estimated $13 million a year to the city in fines.
Co-sponsored by Senator Frank Padavan, the bill also creates a new defense of &#8220Traffic signal not working properly,” and calls for the cameras to be situated, as technology allows, to not photograph the driver, passenger, or any contents of the automobile, thereby ensuring privacy.
The license plate number of the car running the red light, however, would be photographed and the owner of the car in question would have to pay a fine upon receiving a summons in the mail.
&#8220We all know that driving is inherently dangerous, but it is even more dangerous when drivers disobey traffic signals,” Padavan said.
&#8220[This] bill helps to prevent people from disobeying the signals in the first place and harming innocent drivers and pedestrians.”
If signed by Governor George Pataki, the bill would take effect immediately.
&#8220In 2005 alone, more than 300,000 violations or Notices of Liability were issued to violators,” said Padavan.
&#8220It is my hope that every time someone is caught by the camera it will be the last red light they run. If that is the case, then these cameras have saved thousands of lives and prevented thousands of pedestrian and motorist injuries already; by increasing the number of cameras we'll be able to save even more [lives],” Padavan concluded.