Bayside Could Get More Speed Cameras As Program Goes 24/7, Pol Says

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — Drivers speeding in Bayside could soon be caught by additional speed cameras operating round-the-clock — much to the dismay of a local leader.

As of Aug. 1, New York City's once time-bound speed cameras are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, following Governor Kathy Hochul's signing of a state law renewing and expanding the city's speed camera program.

Lawmakers and traffic safety advocates have long said operating more cameras on a regular basis will help curb traffic deaths — especially as a pandemic surge in reckless driving has led to the deadliest streets in years.

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, though, called the move "not such great news."

"They are going to go 24/7 365 days a year," she said of the speed cameras in a video message to constituents. "That doesn't make me happy."

Even more alarming to Paladino, is the renewal of the program through 2025, which she errantly said means installing up to 2,000 more speed cameras citywide.

There are currently about 2,000 cameras set up in 750 areas within a quarter-mile radius of a school, records show, and the city only plans to install up to 200 more, officials said.

While it is possible some of those additional speed cameras could be set up in Bayside, as Paladino suggested, her claim that officials voted to install 2,000 new speed cameras is incorrect, officials said.

When a camera catches a driver going more than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit — 25 miles-per-hour near most schools — the vehicle's registered owner is mailed a $50 fine (a watered down penalty compared to what some advocates wanted to see in this iteration of the law).

Paladino, though, is not alone in her outrage against the street safety program.

She was one of seven city lawmakers to vote against a resolution supporting 24/7 speed cameras earlier this year, which laid the groundwork for the state's amendment.

Many Baysiders also oppose the program, saying speed cameras are a way to raise revenue for the city, Patch reported.

Supporters of the program, though, say the cameras are proven to improve pedestrian safety.

"Speed safety cameras in school zones have been a documented deterrent against dangerous driving, with demonstrative success in saving the lives of New Yorkers of all ages," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards in a statement.

"Expanding the use of these cameras will help prevent traffic violence and keep our families safe."

As the 24/7 cameras went into effect, Paladino encouraged constituents to drive with increased awareness — but she didn't seem happy about it.

"Sad to say, be on the lookout, be aware," she said.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article quoted Paladino as saying there was a vote to install 2,000 new speed cameras citywide. This is incorrect, according to officials.