Island residents joined together to protest the speed cameras as being an infringement on their rights, including the rights to privacy and due process. The speed cameras have been placed in “school zones,” which have been enlarged to be within a quarter of a mile of any school, in order to allow the placement of more and more speed cameras (over 2,000 and counting altogether in New York City), and are now operating 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Many New York City residents are lower income. While the cameras may not discriminate between low and high income individuals, some residents cannot afford the high fines that come with the cameras, especially when they are newly placed.
While speeding is, of course, something that drivers should not be doing, there are other, more effective ways of getting drivers to speed less. Flashing yellow lights with pedestrian crossing signs may be more effective than speed cameras in school zones.
According to Mr. Matland, BP Fossella has also publicly opposed speed cameras as not enhancing pedestrian safety, or saving lives.
Prior to his election as Borough President, Vito Fossella said of the cameras, “[They are a] money grab for the city.” “Don’t say these speed cameras are going to save lives when all you’re really interested in is… collecting money.”
These speed cameras are, however, here to stay for now, and their numbers continue to grow.
Staten Islander News Service Staff Writer
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