More news has just come in for NYC drivers, and it’s a reminder to slow down and enjoy the ride. Kind of.
Following a crackdown earlier this month on how points on licenses are applied, along with the introduction of stricter traffic rules in the new year, the city is continuing its push to improve road safety across all boroughs.
Over the next five weeks, New York City will install 50 new red light cameras per week. Previously, these cameras were limited to 150 intersections citywide, the maximum allowed under old legislation. With the new authorization, the city can now expand the program to cover up to 600 intersections.
According to a new press release from NYC.gov, the additional cameras are intended “to protect New Yorkers as they travel through intersections” and help reduce traffic violations that often lead to accidents. In other words, the goal is simple: fewer crashes, fewer tickets, and maybe just a little more zen at those notoriously chaotic crosswalks.
NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said:
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. These cameras have reduced red light running 73 percent in the intersections where they are installed, and we will pair this heightened enforcement with ambitious street redesigns to make our streets safer.
The red light camera program has proven to be changing habits. In 2023, a whopping 94 percent of drivers nabbed for running a red light only racked up one or two violations, while less than half a percent became serial offenders with five or more. Looks like most New Yorkers are learning to hit the brakes before the cameras do it for them.
So buckle up, NYC drivers, and smile for the camera. Here’s to cruising around our favorite city a little bit safer this year.