RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND HODGES:
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING NEW YORK STATE AMEND THE VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC LAW TO EXTEND SCHOOL ZONE SPEED CAMERA ENFORCEMENT TO SCHOOL ZONES WITHIN THE CITY OF YONKERS
Whereas, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined that speeding drivers are at a higher risk for loss of control of their vehicles, reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment, increased stopping distance after perceiving a danger, and a greater likelihood that a crash will be severe; and
WHEREAS, driving above the posted speed limit is a contributing factor in approximately 29 percent of traffic-related fatalities nationwide; and
Whereas, the dangers of speeding are magnified in school zones, where large numbers of students arrive by bus or on foot and are frequently present outdoors; and
WHEREAS, to mitigate these dangers, New York City implemented the State’s first school speed zone camera pilot program, which has been an overwhelming success, with average speed incidences reduced by 73 percent in school zones where speed cameras were installed, and reductions of incidences up to 90 percent in certain locations; and
WHEREAS, speed cameras have also proven effective in preventing repeat offenses, as 46 percent of drivers who received a ticket did not receive a second violation, and an additional 19 percent received no more than two violations between 2019 and 2021; and
WHEREAS, New York City’s experience demonstrates that school speed zone camera programs significantly improve street safety for students and surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, New York State has already authorized the extension of school speed zone camera enforcement to other municipalities, including White Plains and Mt. Vernon in Westchester County; and
WHEREAS, authorization for the use of such enforcement technologies for ticketing purposes in New York State requires express enabling legislation from the State Legislature; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Yonkers hereby requests that the New York State Legislature introduce and enact legislation authorizing the City of Yonkers to establish a school speed zone camera program for 25 locations, similar to legislation recently enacted by the State of New York authorizing such programs in cities including Syracuse, Albany, Kingston, and Schenectady as well as White Plains and Mount Vernon in Westchester County; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the City Council requests the City Clerk to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Legislature of the State of New York requesting the introduction and passage of the legislation; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.