New York City is set to significantly expand its network of red-light cameras, aiming to quadruple the current number of intersections equipped with the technology. As of now, there are approximately 150 locations across the city where drivers can be issued a $50 ticket for running a red light. However, under new plans announced by the Transportation Department, that figure is set to rise to over 600.
The decision comes after years of pressure from former Mayor Eric Adams and state lawmakers who pushed for an expansion of the program. While some areas were left untouched during Adams' tenure in office, his successor has moved swiftly to implement the changes. Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn attributes this increased emphasis on reducing red light running to a desire to protect all New Yorkers from danger.
In 2024, state legislation granted authorities greater latitude to deploy cameras across the city, although officials declined to disclose specific locations citing the effectiveness of secret placements in high-crash areas. The cameras have already shown promising results, with intersections equipped with them boasting significant reductions in crashes - 65% fewer T-bone collisions and 49% fewer rear-end accidents.
Despite initial concerns over the impact on revenue generation, data suggests that the program is financially viable, raking in $20 million in net earnings last year.
The decision comes after years of pressure from former Mayor Eric Adams and state lawmakers who pushed for an expansion of the program. While some areas were left untouched during Adams' tenure in office, his successor has moved swiftly to implement the changes. Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn attributes this increased emphasis on reducing red light running to a desire to protect all New Yorkers from danger.
In 2024, state legislation granted authorities greater latitude to deploy cameras across the city, although officials declined to disclose specific locations citing the effectiveness of secret placements in high-crash areas. The cameras have already shown promising results, with intersections equipped with them boasting significant reductions in crashes - 65% fewer T-bone collisions and 49% fewer rear-end accidents.
Despite initial concerns over the impact on revenue generation, data suggests that the program is financially viable, raking in $20 million in net earnings last year.
. I mean, yeah, it's good to reduce crashes and all, but have we thought this through? They're basically just another source of revenue for the city, and what happens when they become outdated or start causing more problems than solutions? Plus, it feels like we're relying on tech to 'fix' our traffic issues instead of figuring out why people are running red lights in the first place. And have you seen those fines? $50 is steep, especially for low-income drivers who might not be able to afford it. I'm all for road safety, but let's make sure we're not creating new problems 
! I'm all for it! Red-light cameras have already proven themselves to be super effective at reducing crashes and saving lives. And with 600 intersections soon to be equipped with them, I'd say NYC is on the right track 
. It's about time we did something about those reckless drivers, especially during rush hour 
. As long as it means less congestion and fewer accidents, I'm all for quadrupling the number of red-light cameras!
and yeah, 20 million in net earnings is no joke! maybe this will actually help keep our city safe 
I used to take a shortcut through Midtown during rush hour and it was always a gamble 
. It was super scary! After that, I started paying attention to the cameras more often and now I make sure to come to a complete stop whenever I see one up 
️.
. Plus, if we're not careful on our roads, we could end up losing lives 
. So yeah, more cameras can't hurt, right? As long as the revenue generated doesn't go towards funding unnecessary projects 
.
. its like, better safe than sorry, right? 
i mean, 600 cams might seem like a lot, but think about all the people who die or get seriously hurt every year 'cause they ran red lights 
. if it means savin' lives, then im all for it 
. i'm not sayin' the revenue's not a bonus or anythin', but lets focus on the bigger picture here 
. if it means more people are safe drivin' around, then im down 
. But seriously, 600 intersections? That's a whole lotta cameras! 
I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but I hope they don't end up being like those annoying billboards that just won't take no for an answer - "YOU SLOW DOWN!" 
And with $20 million in net earnings, I guess there's no need to worry about revenue loss 
. It's all about finding that balance between safety and sanity 
. Overall, I think it's a solid plan to make NYC streets safer 
.
! those red light cameras are literally a lifesaver 
. i just hope they don't get too caught up in making money from fines 
... anyway, 600 red light cameras sounds pretty intense 
Just thought, if NYC's red-light camera expansion goes as planned, we're lookin' at a 300% increase in revenue from last year 
, 65% fewer T-bone collisions and 49% fewer rear-end accidents. It's def worth it to have those cameras up at intersections with high-crash rates. The question is, will they really be effective in reducing overall red-light running across the city? 
- $20 million last year and a projected 300% increase this year 
!
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and getting fined for being reckless? but seriously, it's good to know that this expansion could lead to safer streets. the numbers are pretty interesting - 65% fewer T-bone collisions and 49% fewer rear-end accidents is some serious reduction! 
