A New York City school zone traffic camera program revealed a real safety threat after the system recorded more than 12,000 people speeding in 10 days

Speeding is a serious safety problem in several parts of the country. However, what many may not realize is that some drivers also speed in school zones, which is causing great concern in local communities. Traffic cameras are now being installed in some school zones to keep students, staff and everyone else safe during work hours. Notably, they also reduced the need for police traffic stops. Cameras were recently installed in some schools in Albany, New York, resulting in thousands of citations.

School zones need traffic cameras

Cities across the county are installing traffic cameras. In many ways they help reduce Police traffic stops so officers can focus on other crimes. Nowadays, many schools also use these high-tech cameras to cite speeding people. According to Union of Timesschools in Albany, New York, also launched their own camera program.

The report found that traffic cameras in various school zones issued 12,895 calls within 10 days of official use. It is worth noting that speeding penalties started on October 7. One vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, racked up 29 citations during that time. Previously, there was a 30-day warning period for drivers. During this time, the system generated 14,834 warnings for speeding drivers.

Of course, school officials are shocked by the impact traffic cameras are having. Darius Shahinfar, city treasurer, commented: “My first thought was, ‘Damn, so many people are speeding in a school zone?'” However, Darius also notes that many of the city’s schools are located near four-lane roads, which is why the speeds are so high.

There are currently eight traffic cameras in use. However, officials plan to have a total of 20 of them, which means the number of citations is expected to increase. The cameras are active from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The speed limit in the school zone is 20 mph, and the system reports speeders exceeding 10 mph. The fine is $50. Of course, we hope this will cause drivers to monitor theirs speed.