NEW YORK (PIX11) -- New York City officials called for a wider crackdown on drivers who run red lights on Wednesday.
The Department of Transportation urges state lawmakers to pass two bills to renew and expand the current red-light camera program, which covers only 1% of New York City's intersections.
The new bills propose to put cameras up at 10% of the city's intersections. It would also require city agencies to suspend violators' vehicle registration for anyone with five or more red light camera violations in 12 months, according to officials.
“The data is clear: red light cameras save lives. No family should have to bury a loved one because of a reckless driver, and we need Albany to renew and expand the red-light camera program to prevent the next tragedy from occurring,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “New York City should be able to use all available tools to keep New Yorkers safe and prevent crashes like the one that killed David Fernandez and Joel Adames.”
Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in the New York City and Washington D.C. areas. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.