UPDATE: New York City is set to dramatically enhance road safety as transportation officials have confirmed the addition of red light cameras at an unprecedented scale. Just announced, the city will quadruple the number of red light cameras from 150 intersections to 600 intersections by the end of the year.
Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn revealed that the city will install cameras at 50 new intersections each week over the next five weeks, aiming for completion within 10 months. This immediate action follows increasing pressure to address reckless driving and improve public safety on NYC streets.
The original red light camera program dates back to the 1990s, making New York one of the first cities to adopt this technology. However, the program has remained stagnant since 2009 due to a law limiting installations to 222 cameras. Following advocacy from former Mayor Eric Adams and the passage of a new law in 2024, the city is finally ready to expand.
Flynn emphasized the critical need for this initiative, stating,
“Red light running is one of the most dangerous behaviors on our city’s streets and puts all New Yorkers at risk. That is why we are taking immediate action to ramp up the city’s red light camera program.”
He noted that these cameras have proven effective, reducing red light running by 73% at intersections where they are installed.
The expansion comes as the city aims to enhance safety measures in areas with high crash rates. Currently, drivers caught running a red light face a $50 ticket, contributing to net revenues of $20 million in 2024 alone. Remarkably, data indicate that the presence of these cameras has led to a 65% reduction in T-bone crashes and a 49% decrease in rear-end collisions.
Transportation department spokesperson Vin Barone has declined to share specific locations for the new cameras, citing the program’s effectiveness relies on keeping these details confidential. He assured that the technology will be strategically deployed in high-risk areas to maximize impact.
With the rollout of this extensive program, officials aim to crack down on the city’s most dangerous drivers and make New York streets safer for all. As the installation progresses over the coming weeks, residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic laws to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer urban environment.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
