Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would give New York City control over its own red light camera program.

By Council Members Van Bramer, Chin, Cohen, Lander, Reynoso, Torres, Vallone, Rosenthal, Mendez, Koslowitz, Menchaca, Levin, Arroyo, Barron and Dromm

Whereas, In 2013, 286 people, including 168 pedestrians, were killed in traffic crashes in New York City, according to New York City Police Department data; and

Whereas, According to Mayor de Blasio's Vision Zero Action Plan ("Action Plan"), since 1988, New York City's red light cameras have issued over 4 million violations, and intersections where red light cameras were installed saw a 20 percent decline in all injuries, a 31 percent decrease in pedestrian injuries, and a 25 percent decrease in serious injuries in the three years after installation; and

Whereas, According to the Action Plan, evidence exists that the red light cameras have deterred dangerous driving behavior, as the number of violations issued by the cameras declined by 22% from 2010 to 2011; and

Whereas, Current State law only allows the City to operate red light cameras at 150 intersections at any one time; and

Whereas, The authorization for the City's red light program will expire on December 1, 2014 unless State law is amended; and

Whereas, In the interest of safety, the City should be able to control the number and placement of red light cameras within its borders as it sees fit; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would give New York City control over its own red light camera program.

LS# 662

3/7/2014