Press Releases
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 30, 2021
Contact: Scott Gastel/Alana Morales (212) 839-4850
Statement from DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman
“This weekend saw two high-speed, fatal crashes on our streets – both of which occurred within school zones, near speed cameras we aren’t legally allowed to operate. Once again, we urge the state legislature to allow our cameras to operate 24/7. There must be consequences for dangerous drivers, no matter what time of the week they break the law. Speed cameras are an efficient, equitable way to reduce speeding, and we must do everything in our power to stop violence on our streets before it happens.”
On background:
- The two crashes occurred at 8:45pm Saturday along Fordham Road in the Bronx, and 4am Sunday morning in Bed-Stuy. (Cameras can only legally operate 6am-10pm M-F.)
- One-third of fatal crashes on City streets last year happened in school speed zones during overnight and weekend hours when cameras could not operate.
- We urge the state legislature to pass S5602/A6681, the bill sponsored by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Deborah Glick, which would allow our cameras to operate 24/7.