NEW YORK CITY —Ever-watchful speed cameras could help slow down traffic on New York City's emptier-than-usual streets during the coronavirus pandemic and drive down a spike in motorist deaths.
Mayor Bill de Blasio outlined that argument Tuesday as he pressed state lawmakers to make speed cameras operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The current state law only allows speed cameras to run weekdays between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. in 750 school zones.
De Blasio acknowledged speed cameras are unpopular with motorists. He said he got a speeding ticket from a camera himself.
"No one likes it — but you know what they change behavior," he said. "They get people to start slowing down. They get people to obey the law. They work. And we need more, because we need to save lives."
The coronavirus pandemic for months opened up New York City's typically-congested streets. Pedestrian fatalities hit an all-time city low this year, but the emptier-than-usual streets apparently proved inviting thoroughfares for speeding.
A recent study found traffic speeds increased between April and July. Fatality rates hit the highest point since 2006, the study found, even though total traffic collisions dropped.
De Blasio said data shows speed cameras increase safety by making drivers slow down. Roughly 75 percent of traffic fatalities this year were in places not enforced by speed cameras, he said.
This year 36 percent of all traffic deaths not on highways occurred within school speed zones with permanent cameras, but unfolded on nights and weekends when the cameras cameras were not legally allowed to issue tickets, officials said.
A bevy of New York City state lawmakers issued statements backing the proposal to extend traffic camera hours.
State Sen. Brad Hoylman, in his statement, called him self "proud" to carry the legislation to Albany.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in speeding and speeding-related traffic fatalities in New York City," he said. "We need to be doing everything in our power to crack down on reckless motorists who speed, threatening the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers who share the streets."
The proposal is part of de Blasio's "Vision Zero" campaign, which aims to bring traffic fatalities in the city down to zero.
De Blasio often touts the city's Vision Zero efforts, but advocates like Transportation Alternatives and Families For Safe Streets — which pushed for the original camera program — have sharply criticized his commitment to the program.
Cory Epstein, a spokesperson for Transportation Alternatives, said the group supports the 24-hour camera proposal.
"But, the Mayor controls the streets here in the City, and he can make a real difference right now by installing proven traffic calming measures that save lives," he said in a statement. "New Yorkers need safe street investments, additional protected bike lanes, and a commitment from Mayor de Blasio during his final year in office to once-and-for-all put people before cars."
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