Safety Data Shows Mixed Results as County Faces Legal Challenges
Suffolk County deactivated its red light cameras on December 1, ending a 14-year program that generated controversy over its effectiveness and fees. The county’s data revealed an 8.6% increase in total accidents at camera locations despite an 11.3% reduction in injury crashes. A New York state appellate court ruled the program’s administrative fees illegal, while Suffolk officials implemented a property tax increase to offset lost revenue.
5 Key Points
- Suffolk County terminated its red light cameras on December 1 after total accidents rose 8.6%.
- The court ruling declared that county administrative fees exceeded legal limits.
- The county raised property taxes up to 3% to replace camera revenue.
- Injury crashes fell 11.3% at monitored intersections during the program.
- Nassau County continues its camera program while appealing the court decision.
Mixed Safety Results Led to Program End
Suffolk County’s 14-year red light camera program produced contradictory safety outcomes through 2024. While cameras reduced injury crashes by 11.3%, total accidents increased by 8.6% at monitored intersections. The county’s Republican administration pointed to right-turn-on-red violations as the primary source of tickets, challenging the program’s safety focus. AAA Northeast’s Robert Sinclair emphasized the need for targeted implementation: “There has to be a rigorous study of the program and its implementation to ensure that when it’s done at a particular intersection, it’s done with safety in mind.”
Court Decision Invalidates Fee Structure
A New York state appellate court struck down administrative fees charged by Suffolk and Nassau counties last week. The ruling targeted fees exceeding statutory limits of $50 and $25 in Suffolk County, while Nassau charged an additional $100. Attorney David Raimondo, leading the legal challenge, outlined plans for restitution: “The purpose of the lawsuit is to get back every dime that was paid in excess of the statutory amount.” Suffolk County discontinued its administrative fees in 2023, though Nassau County plans to appeal while maintaining its camera program.
Financial Adjustments Impact Residents
The camera program’s termination forced budget changes in Suffolk County, leading to property tax increases between 1% and 3%. County Legislator Anthony Piccirillo framed the decision as relief for taxpayers: “Merry Christmas to residents of Suffolk County. It’s about time that taxation through citation has ended.” East Patchogue resident Nicholas Harding criticized the previous revenue allocation: “If I saw road improvements or it went back to the school system, it’d make me feel better about paying for these tickets.” Drivers who received tickets before December 1, 2024, must still pay their fines, while Nassau County continues to collect revenue through its active program pending appeal.
FAQ
Q: When did Suffolk County’s red light camera program end?
A: The program was deactivated on December 1, 2024, after operating for 14 years.
Q: Do drivers still need to pay for tickets issued before the program ends?
A: Yes, all drivers who received red light camera tickets prior to December 1, 2024, must still pay their fines.
Q: What did the safety data show about the program’s effectiveness?
A: The data showed mixed results: accidents with injuries decreased by 11.3%, but total crashes increased by 8.6% at camera locations.
Q: How will Suffolk County make up for the lost revenue?
A: The county implemented a 1-3% property tax increase to offset the revenue lost from ending the red light camera program.
Q: What did the New York state appellate court rule about administrative fees?
A: The court ruled that the additional administrative fees charged by Suffolk and Nassau counties were illegal, exceeding the statutory amounts of $50 and $25 in Suffolk County.
Q: How did Nassau County respond to the court ruling?
A: Nassau County plans to appeal the ruling and maintain its red light camera program, unlike Suffolk County, which ended its program.
Citations
McLogan, Jennifer (December 2, 2024). New York county’s red light cameras deactivated after accidents increased. CBS New York. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/suffolk-county-red-light-cameras-deactivated/
