NYC drivers beware: Big Brother could be watching you at every Big Apple intersection soon.
The mayor’s preliminary budget released Friday proposes to amend state law to allow for traffic-light cameras at “unlimited locations” in the city and to raise the fine from $50 to $100.
“The program has been successful, and we want to expand it,” Mayor Bloomberg spokesman Marc LaVorgna said.
The state Legislature has capped the number of cameras at 100. The cameras snap photos of cars passing through a red light – including the license plate. The registered owner of the vehicle is automatically mailed a ticket.
The preliminary budget calls for adding 20 more cameras, which would bring in $6.2 million in fiscal year 2009-10.
In his latest budget proposal, Gov. Paterson supported the removal of the cap on cameras. The Legislature would also have to approve the measure.
“If the state legislation becomes a reality, we would be free to continue to add cameras as needed,” LaVorgna said of the city program.
(Source: NY Post)
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3 Responses
It’ll increase safety and reduce accidents.
Every light should have one.
Great idea. I am a big time Libertarian but once you leave your private property and enter publicly owned streets, you are subject to any surveillance the local authorities deem necessary.
Traffic cameras increase accidents as cars slam their brakes to avoid passing causing rear enders.