Mayor Michael Bloomberg is pressing state lawmakers to green light his request for more red light cameras. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Bloomberg said he would like to see the cameras on every corner in the city.
Ones already in place brought in more than $50 million in fines last year — up more than $15 million from 2009.
The city says the jump in revenue can be credited to a program to collect unpaid violations. But to get even more cameras in focus, the city needs a green light from the state legislature.
The mayor even offered a way to get the ball rolling by embarrassing both faulty drivers and lawmakers in Albany.
“Maybe what we should do is do it and start publishing in the paper who does it and then a list of the senators and assemblymen who keep us from having cameras and every time there’s somebody hit it would be nice to say, ‘okay, assemblyman and senator so-and-so didn’t think that person’s life…this is the lives of our people we’re talking about this is not something cute and we’ve got to do something about it,'” Bloomberg said.
Drivers who spoke with NY1 were mostly supportive of the measure, citing the safety benefits.
I think it’s a great idea. I’m a very conscientious driver. If it gets other people to behave and calm down and makes a little money for the city I think its a wonderful thing,’ said one city driver.
“The motorist in me not a fan. The pedestrian in me, it definitely helps me out,” said another.
Critics say the cameras violate people’s privacy.
The mayor argues the city can’t put a police officer on every corner, and needs to rely on technology.
He also supports cameras that catch drivers who speed.
–NY1
