AARP Applauds Temporary Reactivation of School Zone Speed Cameras

Stands with Mayor for signing of bill to turn on cameras before classes begin

NEW YORK, N.Y. — AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel today stood with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio as he signed city legislation to reactivate speed cameras in city school zones. The cameras had gone dark after a state law authorizing the program lapsed earlier this summer. The new city law will allow the issuance of tickets to speeders temporarily, but state legislation is required for a permanent extension and expansion of speed cameras.

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement today:

“New York City’s school zone speed cameras are a proven deterrent, reducing speeding by 60 percent outside schools where they have been deployed.  They not only keep our students safer, but prevent accidents for New Yorkers of all ages. New Yorkers 65 and over are most at risk of being killed in pedestrian accidents, accounting for half of all pedestrian fatalities even though they make up just 14 percent of New York City’s population.

“AARP thanks Mayor de Blasio for taking this important step to make city streets safer for New Yorkers of all ages, and for working with Governor Cuomo, Speaker Johnson and the City Council to ensure the reinstatement of this proven deterrent to pedestrian accidents.

“As a long term solution we need state legislation, and AARP strongly believes the state Senate needs to follow the Assembly’s lead and pass the speed camera extender and expansion bill as soon as possible.”

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

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AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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