AAA Western and Central New York Statement in response to speed violation monitoring systems in school speed zones in Buffalo:

“On March 19, 2019, New York lawmakers approved a program to introduce speed monitoring cameras at Buffalo schools. AAA applauds Senator Kennedy and Assembly member Peoples-Stokes in their efforts to improve traffic safety, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable students. AAA wholly supports the goals of this legislation: protecting our children and keeping our roads safe. The evidence suggests that speed cameras in school zones reduce crashes and keep people safe. However, judicious oversight is necessary to ensure that automated enforcement programs remain focused on safety, not revenue. Given the cameras’ immense revenue-generating potential, AAA is hopeful that municipalities using such systems will heed recommendations to ensure that traffic safety is the sole purpose of the program.”

AAA recommendations:

Warning Period
All new camera enforcement should include a warning period prior to issuing a summons to provide the public fair notice and ensure that drivers have an opportunity to correct their behavior before receiving several summonses for the same offense. (For example, Nassau County’s speed camera program began issuing tickets over the summer, when many motorists were unaware that a school speed limit was in effect. This resulted in negative media coverage which helped facilitate the program’s termination.)

Require Online Annual Reports
Annual reports required by municipalities are crucial to maintaining the integrity of all automated enforcement programs. The data included in these reports help municipalities and the public determine the effectiveness and the safety implications of the program. AAA has found that many municipalities with red light cameras are not complying with the law by submitting reports late, incomplete or not at all. Required online reporting will better improve the public’s trust in automated enforcement programs and ensure transparency. 

Video Preferred Over Photo
Currently speed camera programs can use photo or video to determine violations. AAA believes that utilizing video is best practice as it is easier to determine a violation. AAA finds individuals that view their infraction by video are less likely to argue the ticket in court reducing court congestion. 

Revenue to Traffic Safety 
Finally, AAA believes the revenue generated by these programs should be dedicated to traffic safety. To ensure the programs are truly dedicated to safe schools and roads, funds received from violations should be used for traffic safety purposes, such as safety related road and engineering improvements and educational and enforcement for campaigns against speeding and reckless driving. (Nassau County’s speed camera program failed because it was perceived as a revenue generator.)