Speeding Fell 30% Since NYC's Traffic Cameras Went 24/7, Officials Say

NEW YORK CITY — Life in New York City is much less fast-paced since its speed cameras went round-the-clock, officials said.

Speeding violations fell 30 percent after traffic cameras started 24/7 enforcement in school zones last August, according to Department of Transportation data.

Traffic deaths also fell 25 percent during the expanded overnight hours in camera zones, officials said.

"One year ago we launched 24/7 speed camera enforcement, and the results are in: the program has reduced speeding, decreased the number of injuries, and made our streets safer," said transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, in a statement.

Advocates had long-called for expanded speed camera enforcement, but many motorists — notably "The Wire" creator and reputed reckless driving recidivist David Simon — have been frustrated by them.

But that frustration has apparently led motorists to curb their dangerous driving habits.

Speeding dropped the most at these locations since speed cameras went 24/7 from their previous 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. enforcement window, according to the Department of Transportation,

• 96 percent on Houston Street (Manhattan)
• 84 percent on Cropsey Avenue (Brooklyn)
• 74 percent on North Conduit Boulevard (Brooklyn)
• 79 percent on Seagirt Boulevard (Queens)
• 83 percent on Union Turnpike (Queens)
• 68 percent on Brucker Boulevard (Bronx)

Traffic injuries also fell, with these locations leading the way, according to city data:

• 45 percent injury reduction on Tremont Avenue (Bronx)
• 33 percent reduction on Kings Highway (Brooklyn)
• 19 percent reduction on Hylan Boulevard (Staten Island)
• 16 percent reduction on Queens Boulevard (Queens)
• 18 percent reduction on Amsterdam Avenue (Manhattan)