Monday, August 27, 2018

Albany Update: Executive Order Declares State of Emergency and Temporarily Lifts Sunset Provisions in Speed Camera Legislation


Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in New York City and reinstating the speed camera program. The Executive Order temporarily suspends the sunset provisions in the speed camera program legislation, providing New York City the authority it needs to implement the program ahead of the school year.

The Governor's Executive Order also directs the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide support, to the extent authorized by law, to the City of New York to implement the program in time for the 2018 school year.

"I refuse to sit idly by as Republican State Senators put politics over the lives of our children and jeopardize public safety," Governor Cuomo said. "In the face of the Senate Republicans' shameful inaction and with the school year set to begin, we are taking emergency action to reinstate the speed cameras program and protect our children. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Johnson for their cooperation and commitment to keeping our children safe. This is extraordinary action for an extraordinary situation - but I continue to call on the Senate Republicans to do their job and pass lifesaving speed camera legislation once and for all."

In July, Governor Cuomo released a State DOT analysis of recent data and studies that confirm speed cameras save lives. Additional studies have shown that after installing cameras in 2014, 10 fewer children have been killed by motor vehicles each year - from 18 to 8. Governor Cuomo has staunchly supported the speed camera program, introducing his own program bill, and the Assembly passed similar legislation during the 2018 legislative session.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, "With schools opening next week, we have to ensure the safety of our students getting to and from school. The State Senate failed to return to Albany to renew the law that allows for the operation of speed cameras around schools in New York City. Speed cameras are vital to monitor traffic and keep our students free from harm, and I commend the Governor for signing this Executive Order that will help save lives. Enough politics -- I join the Governor in calling on the State Legislature to do their job and make it permanent."

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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