Gov. Hochul was able to get the renewal and expansion of a pilot program into the tentative $254 billion state budget agreement.
NEW YORK CITY — Drivers caught speeding through a work zone on the MTA’s bridges and tunnels could get a ticket in the mail after lawmakers agreed to expand an existing pilot program.
The pilot program would allow the MTA to install cameras on its seven bridges and two tunnels in the city, according to Gothamist.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers agreed to extend and expand the pilot program, which already allowed up to 10 construction or maintenance zones on the state Thruway and up to 20 on highways managed by the state Department of Transportation, according to the report.
Under the program, if a camera captures a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, the registered owner will be fined $50. A second violation within an 18-month period would result in a $75 fine — each violation afterward, the registered owner would get a $100 fine.
Hochul was able to get the renewal and expansion of the pilot program into the tentative $254 billion state budget agreement. A final vote is expected this week. The program would be up for renewal in 2031.
Hochul’s office in a statement said the pilot program “is one more way the governor is working to improve safety on our roads and bridges for workers and travelers alike.”
MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan said: “We want to make sure that our maintenance workers and contractors are safe, and this is another tool to accomplish that, for which we are grateful to the governor and the legislature.”
The MTA will be able to participate in the program after holding a public hearing and a board vote.
The state Bridge Authority will also be allowed to install cameras as part of the program.
CREDIT: Patch Staff David Lucas
