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Speed cameras in New York City will be operational 24/7 in all five boroughs starting Monday night as part of a program officials hope will drastically reduce traffic fatalities.
The automated speed cameras had previously only operated on weekdays between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., but officials argue that most traffic fatalities (59 percent) happen overnight and on the weekends.
As of 10 p.m. Monday the city's 2,000 cameras, located in its 750 school zones, will continue operating indefinitely.
"Traffic safety is public safety, and today marks the start of a new chapter for traffic safety in our city," announced Mayor Eric Adams in a statement Monday. "This is a promise made and promise kept: Together with Deputy Mayor Joshi, [Transportation] Commissioner [Ydanis] Rodriguez, and advocates, we fought to get this done in Albany. We must ensure that everyone can share the street space safety, and 24/7 speed cameras will protect our city and save lives."
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a state law last month that approved the full day, everyday extension for the city speed camera operating hours.
The city says their data proves speed cameras reduce speeding by 72 percent, thereby reducing traffic fatalities.