Assemblyman Charles D. Fall (D-Richmond) sponsored legislation (A.6449) that would reauthorize and expand the authority to install and operate photo speed violation monitoring systems in school speed zones in New York City.

The legislation amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law that created a demonstration program to install photo speed cameras in New York City school speed zones to increase the number of school zones from 140 to 750.

The bill also clarifies that a school speed zone is the area within a 1/4-mile radius of a school building and permits the photo violation monitoring devices installed to operate on weekdays from 6AM to 10PM.

Finally, the legislation updates the annual reporting requirement for the program to include information on the effectiveness and adequacy of the program hours of operation and information on New York City government funding allocations made to improve traffic and pedestrian safety. The intent of the legislation is to reduce violations to zero.

“I’ve been working with city officials to place these public safety monitoring devices in school zones throughout the North Shore, specifically in high density traffic areas like Port Richmond High School and PS 31.  I am optimistic that we will have a positive outcome on this important proposal and with passage of (A.6449), expanding these safety devices throughout the schools zones throughout the North Shore.

We are talking about our children, pedestrian and school crossing guard safety.  I would never want to confront a grieving family if one of their children, loved one were injured or even killed by a reckless motorist in a school zone.  Let’s take a proactive not a reactive approach, especially on this important topic,” said Fall.