NYC DOT’s Speed Cameras Achieved a 94 Percent Reduction in Speeding in Locations Where They Are Installed

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January 23, 2025
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NYC DOT's Speed Cameras Achieved a 94 Percent Reduction in Speeding in Locations Where They Are Installed

Speeding Contributes to One in Four Traffic Deaths; New Report Shows 14% Fewer Traffic Injuries and Deaths at Speed Camera Locations Installed in 2022

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today released a comprehensive report on NYC DOT's speed camera program, showing a 94 percent reduction in speeding at speed camera locations, a stunning reduction in reckless speeding since the program began. Camera locations have also seen reductions in traffic injuries and deaths, with speed camera locations installed in 2022 seeing 14% fewer injuries and fatalities compared to locations without cameras. The report highlights speed cameras' critical role in enhancing street safety amidst alarming increases in reckless driving nationwide. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the program's efficacy, including data from the expansion to 24/7 enforcement in 2022. The speed camera program is set to expire this year unless it is reauthorized by the state legislature during the current legislative session.

"One in four traffic fatalities involves speeding, and speed cameras are one of the most effective tools we have to change reckless driver behavior and prevent tragedies from happening," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "It isn't a coincidence that locations with speed cameras have seen massive reductions in speeding, fewer deaths, and fewer injuries. We look forward to working with our partners in Albany this session to renew a critical law that allows us to use these life-saving tools."

Key findings from the 2024 Speed Camera Report:

• Major Decline in Speeding at Camera Locations: Since the speed camera program's inception, the average number of daily violations issued by each camera dropped 94 percent, even accounting for temporary spikes when the program expanded.
• Significant Reductions in Injuries and Fatalities: Corridors with speed cameras installed in 2022 demonstrated 14 percent fewer injuries and fatalities than locations with no cameras.
• Positive Outcomes of 24/7 Enforcement: Comparing the year before and the year after the expansion to round-the-clock operation, speed camera locations experienced nearly an eight percent reduction in injuries during overnight and weekend hours.
• Behavioral Change Among Drivers: 74 percent of vehicles that receive violations receive no more than one or two per year, demonstrating the program's effectiveness at encouraging safer driving habits.
• Repeat Offenders Present Major Safety Risks: While 74 percent of vehicles that receive violations receive no more than one or two per year, more than 12,000 drivers received more than 20 in 2023. The report shows that drivers with more than 20 speed camera violations are five times more likely to be in a crash that results in death or critical injury than the ordinary driver.

Speeding remains one of the most dangerous driving behaviors, contributing to about a quarter of New York City's traffic deaths annually. From 2021 to 2023, speeding was a major factor in crashes that claimed the lives of more than 200 people in New York City.

NYC DOT will continue to monitor and analyze speed camera data to ensure the program's ongoing success and its alignment with Vision Zero goals. For more information and to view the full report, visit the Vision Zero: Safe Driving webpage.

A Speed Camera Program Built for Safety and Equity

Half of all speed camera violations in New York City are issued to vehicles registered outside of the city, highlighting that the program targets unsafe driving behavior while local communities receive the safety benefits. The placement of these cameras is based on speed data and crash history, ensuring they are only installed in locations where speeding has been a documented safety concern. With more than 2,400 speed cameras across the five boroughs, the program aims to create a widespread deterrent effect, making drivers aware that a speed camera could be anywhere and encouraging drivers to follow speeds limits citywide.

The program's sole focus is on reducing speeding and enhancing street safety. By installing cameras strategically based on traffic safety data, the city ensures that enforcement is fair and driven by Vision Zero's commitment to save lives. There is no correlation between the number of speed cameras in an area and the racial demographics of that location.

Unlike traditional traffic enforcement measures, the speed camera program is designed to modify driver behavior rather than generate revenue. This is reflected in the $50 fine per violation, an amount intended to discourage speeding without placing an undue financial burden on drivers. Additionally, these violations do not carry significant collateral consequences, such as points on a driver's license, insurance rate increase, or criminal court involvement for speeding. The program's ultimate goal is to make streets safer for all New Yorkers by reducing dangerous speeding, not to punish drivers beyond what is necessary to encourage compliance.

From January 2014 through June 2023, New York City has spent nearly $2.4 billion in capital and expense funds toward Vision Zero initiatives-six times the revenue generated by speed camera enforcement during the same period. The city's automated enforcement camera vendor does not receive a portion of the revenue from camera violations and the revenue goes to the City of New York's general fund. This structure is in place to eliminate incentives for issuing excessive violations for both the vendor and for the city since the funds are not earmarked for a specific city agency or program.

Legislative History

Recognizing the critical role that speeding plays in traffic fatalities, the New York State Legislature enacted Section 1180-b of New York State's Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) in 2013, granting NYC the authority to pilot an automated speed enforcement program in 20 school speed zones. The first speed camera violation was issued in January 2014. With further legislative authorization in 2014, the program expanded rapidly, adding 140 school speed zones within six months, to support the city's Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.

In 2019, legislation sponsored by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Deborah Glick was passed into law, giving the city authority to expand the program to 750 school speed zones, with cameras operational on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. In the summer of 2022, the Adams administration successfully urged the state to authorize enforcement to expand to 24/7 operations, in response to the increased speeding and fatalities during overnight hours, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The numbers don't lie: my bill to expand the speed camera program has saved lives," said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. "DOT's report is an important reminder that the program works as planned, slowing drivers down and changing behavior. I look forward to working further with my colleagues in Albany, Mayor Adams, and Commissioner Rodriguez to continue this momentum and make our streets safer."

"New York City's school zone speed camera program has for several years demonstrated its success in protecting New Yorkers from the dangers of reckless drivers. This report proves yet again how critical this program is in modifying motorist behavior on the roadways around our schools and it is imperative that this program be renewed," said Assemblymember Deborah Glick.

"About a quarter of all of New York City's traffic fatalities happen because a driver is speeding. We have addressed this issue in Albany from a number of angles, for example by passing Sammy's Law to allow New York City to lower its own speed limits and by passing legislation to authorize the city to install speed cameras to automatically enforce those speed limits," said Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. "The data in the new report from the NYCDOT is crystal clear. Speed cameras are working. I'm grateful to Commissioner Rodriguez and the New York City Department of Transportation for releasing this report which shows that over the last ten years, daily violations at locations with speed cameras declined by a staggering 94 percent and injuries and fatalities in these same locations decreased by 14 percent."

"Speed cameras have proven to be a powerful tool in reducing reckless speeding and saving lives. The data is clear: these cameras change driver behavior, prevent crashes, and make our communities safer for everyone," said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that the legislature reauthorizes this critical program that protects lives and advances street safety across New York City."

"As the data in this report demonstrates, New York City's speed camera program has been a critical tool in saving lives and reducing injuries on our streets," said Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz. "A 94 percent decline in daily violations at camera locations is not just a statistic; it's proof that drivers are changing their behavior, and our streets are becoming safer. As we approach the renewal of this vital program, I look forward to working with my colleagues in Albany to ensure that we continue to prioritize safety and invest in initiatives that protect all New Yorkers."

"Speed cameras are critical to keeping our streets safe," said Assemblymember Harvey Epstein. "The release of this report shows that in areas where cameras have been implemented, we have seen a significant decrease in fatalities and injuries. I thank the DOT for its dedication to Vision Zero and building a future where pedestrians, cyclists, and cars can share the road safely."

"I commend DOT Commissioner Rodriguez for releasing this timely report on the city's speed camera program. Given the initiative's effectiveness, we lend our full support to its reauthorization. Let's lean on the data and keep strengthening public safety," said Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright.

"NYC DOT's speed camera program continues to prove its effectiveness in curbing reckless driving and making our streets safer for all New Yorkers. With a remarkable 94% decline in daily violations at camera locations, this report highlights the critical role these cameras play in protecting our communities. As we work toward achieving Vision Zero, it's clear that speed cameras are a vital tool in reducing injuries and fatalities," said City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías.

"This latest NYC Speed Camera Report from the New York City's Department of Transportation contains a lot of positive safety data as it relates to the many motor vehicles travelling across city streets," said Councilmember Chris Banks. "While some can be critical of these cameras, the truth is that these cameras save lives and help to prevent injury. I encourage the state legislature to reauthorize the city's speed camera program as policy that will continue to help keep New Yorkers safe."

"Aggressive driving is dangerous and too many New Yorkers are dying due to reckless behavior. Speed cameras are an important tool to hold drivers accountable and create safer streets," said Councilmember Carlina Rivera. "We must pilot and implement new technology and shared street designs, increase pedestrianized open spaces, and expand bus and bike lane networks as a part of comprehensive efforts across the city to save lives. Our work must continue diligently to swiftly implement improvements."

"Speed cameras work," said Ben Furnas, executive director of Transportation Alternatives. "New York City's school zone speed camera program is effectively changing behavior and slowing down the vast majority of speeding drivers. But this study shows that there are a small number of egregious recidivist 'super speeders' out there who continue to put New York families in danger. This lifesaving program should be extended, and Albany should act to slow down this small percentage of reckless drivers who are putting the rest of us on the road at risk by requiring the installation of speed limiters in their vehicles. New York City needs every tool at its disposal to ensure public safety and protect New York families from death and loss on our streets."

"These results are an astounding testament to the power and potential of automated enforcement. The speed cameras are doing exactly what they were installed to do - dramatically change behavior and make our streets safer in an unbiased and scalable way," said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director at Open Plans. It's obvious: any tool that produces a near-total reduction in violations should be continued and expanded. With proof of how impactful automated enforcement can be, we should champion its use and harness it to curb other dangerous violations like blocking crosswalks, bike lanes, and bus lanes.

"The report NYC DOT released today demonstrates emphatically that the speed camera program is one of the most important tools the city has to make streets safer, and has worked exactly as it was intended, significantly reducing speeding and the crashes and deaths and injuries that result from it," said Eric McClure, executive director at StreetsPAC. "The report shows that ever-vigilant, unbiased speed cameras successfully modify driver behavior in the vast number of cases, while also underscoring the need for complementary steps to rein in unrepentant repeat offenders who refuse to learn from scores of $50 tickets, such as mandatory installation of intelligent speed assistance devices and graduated fines. Renewing the city's speed camera program, and making it permanent, should be an absolute top priority for the legislature this session."

"Automated enforcement continues to demonstrate its objectivity and effectiveness in calming our streets and reducing dangerous speeding," said Corey Hannigan, active transportation program manager at Tri-State Transportation Campaign. "Speed cameras are saving lives and improving quality of life for all roadway users -- including drivers. It should go without saying that this federally-recommended Proven Safety Countermeasure be expanded further and made a permanent part of our city's toolkit in combating the traffic violence epidemic and getting roadway deaths to zero."

"In support of New York City's Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries, RPA welcomes the NYC DOT's new report on the efficacy of the speed camera program and calls for the state reauthorization of the program in the strongest possible terms," said Sam Bowden Akbari, director of communications at Regional Plan Association (RPA). "A 94 percent reduction in daily speeding violations at locations with cameras proves they work to reduce reckless speeding which has taken the lives of more than 200 New Yorkers in recent years. In addition to the state's reauthorization of the program, RPA calls for wider adoption of speed cameras throughout the tri-state region to curb serious injuries and fatalities attributed to reckless speeding."

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