21-04-2025
NYS pushes to make speed enforcement cameras permanent
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — It's National Work Zone Awareness Week, and New York State is reminding drivers to slow down!
'We want drivers to remember the choices they make behind the wheel can have deadly consequences,' said Major Andre Ray, Troop T Commander.
The NYS Thruway Authority is reminding people to stay alert, slow down, and keep their eyes on the road.
'The message this week is to make the public more aware of the dangers that are on our highways, the dangers that our workers face every single day,' said Frank Hoare, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority.
Last year alone, there were more than 475 crashes on the thruway and work zones. As a result, three people died and over 165 injuries were reported.
'Last November, we lost one of our own, Stephen Ebling, our union brother who was killed while working on I-90,' said Sean Kennedy, president of CSEA Thruway Local 058.
Governor Hochul also said she wants to make the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program permanent.
'The program works. People slow down when they know there's photo enforcement in the work zone,' said Marie Therese Dominguez, commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation.
The pilot program was implemented two years ago. Since it started, more than 425,000 notices of liability have been issued statewide.
'This is not a money grab. This is a safety program. Every dollar collected goes back to the safety of our highway maintenance workers,' said Dominguez.
'We've seen drivers slow down throughout the state. However, we've had 175,000 violations issued in the last two years. Shows there's still work remain to be done,' said Hoare.
National Work Zone Awareness Week runs until April 25.
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