Suffolk County Exec Wants Speed Cameras Near School Zones

BABYLON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Speed cameras could be coming near school zones in Suffolk County.

As WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported, County Executive Steve Bellone asked state lawmakers for the authority to install speed cameras at about 20 sites near schools.

That would expand the county's current system that catches drivers who run red lights at certain intersections.

Bellone said the move would help to reduce accidents and generate $2 million in revenue for the county each year. The idea is modeled on New York City's pilot program, Bellone told lawmakers on Tuesday.

Some Babylon residents said they believe it will help in other ways, too.

"You've got to protect the children, keep the crazies away," one resident told Xirinachs.

But some taxpayers think the cameras are too intrusive and used for the wrong reasons.

"Is that going to help discount the school taxes though?" one man wondered.

"I believe it's about money and not about the actual accident," another resident said.

The proposed speed cameras positioned within a quarter of a mile of a school zone would ticket violators $50.

Suffolk already has 189 red light cameras at 90 intersections that are estimated to generate roughly $19 million in revenue this year.

The red light cameras were approved by the state first in 2009 and again in 2012.

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