New York City officials have just announced a significant expansion of the red light camera program, set to quadruple the number of cameras by the end of the year. Currently operational at **150 intersections**, the plan will add cameras to **50 new intersections each week** for the next **five weeks**, ultimately reaching **600 intersections** over the next **10 months**.
Transportation Commissioner **Mike Flynn** emphasized the urgency of 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.” This proactive measure aims to combat reckless driving and enhance safety across the city.
The red light camera program, which began in the **1990s**, has been a crucial part of New York’s traffic safety strategy, capturing images of vehicles running red lights and automatically issuing **$50 tickets** to offenders. Data shows that intersections with red light cameras have seen a **73% reduction** in red light violations, alongside a **65% decrease** in T-bone crashes and a **49% drop** in rear-end collisions.
City officials note that in **2024**, the program generated **$20 million** in net revenue, further validating its effectiveness. However, the previous law limited installations to **222 cameras**, a restriction that has now been lifted following pressure from state lawmakers.
Transportation department spokesperson **Vin Barone** stated that the exact locations of the new cameras will remain undisclosed to maximize their effectiveness. He mentioned that the technology will primarily target areas with high crash rates, making the streets safer for all New Yorkers.
The announcement comes after a year of inactivity on new installations, as the department focused on securing contracts and developing the necessary technology. Now ready to deploy, the red light camera expansion is seen as a critical step in addressing dangerous driving behaviors that jeopardize public safety.
As the city prepares for this rollout, New Yorkers are urged to be vigilant and adhere to traffic signals to avoid penalties and contribute to safer streets. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
