New York City transportation officials have announced a major expansion of the red light camera program, set to quadruple the number of intersections monitored by the end of this year. Currently active at 150 intersections, the city will add cameras to 50 new intersections each week for the next five weeks, ultimately reaching 600 intersections over the next ten months. This urgent update comes as part of a push to enhance road safety and reduce reckless driving.
Today, Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn confirmed the initiative, stating, “Red light running is one of the most dangerous behaviors on our city’s streets and puts all New Yorkers at risk. That is why we are taking immediate action to ramp up the city’s red light camera program.” The city’s red light camera initiative dates back to the 1990s and has proven effective, reducing red light violations by 73% at monitored locations.
The decision to expand the program follows a law passed in 2024 that allows for the installation of cameras at additional intersections, a move that had been stalled until recently. The program has historically been limited to 222 cameras, a number that has remained unchanged since 2009. Flynn emphasized that the initiative will be paired with ambitious street redesigns to enhance safety further.
In 2024 alone, the red light camera program generated $20 million in net revenue for the city, indicating its financial viability alongside its safety benefits. Drivers caught running a red light will face a $50 ticket, a deterrent aimed at reducing the number of dangerous driving behaviors on the roads.
Despite the urgency of the rollout, officials have not disclosed specific locations for the new installations, citing that keeping the locations secret enhances the program’s effectiveness. “The technology will target areas with high rates of crashes,” stated transportation department spokesperson Vin Barone.
Data reveals significant reductions in crash incidents at intersections equipped with red light cameras, with 65% fewer T-bone crashes and 49% fewer rear-end collisions reported. As New Yorkers await the implementation of this expanded program, the city is poised to make significant strides in improving road safety and curbing reckless driving behaviors.
Stay tuned for further updates as New York City takes decisive action to protect its residents and improve traffic safety.
