BILL NUMBER: S9884 Revised 8/5/2024
SPONSOR: BORRELLO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring at
least two photo speed violation monitoring systems in highway
construction or maintenance work areas located on a controlled-access
highway or on the thruway
 
PURPOSE:
The bill would require at least two photo speed violation monitoring
systems in work zone areas located on a controlled-access highway or on
the thruway.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: removes selecting a highway construction or maintenance work
area in which to install and operate a photo speed violation monitoring
system.
The chair of the thruway authority is authorized to establish a demon-
stration program that shall require the installation of at least two
photo speed violation monitoring systems within highway construction or
maintenance work areas located on the thruway.
Section 2: This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it
shall have become a law; provided, however, that the amendments t o
section 19 1180e of the vehicle and traffic law made by section one of
this act 20 shall not affect the repeal of such section and shall be
deemed repealed 21 therewith. Effective immediately, the addition,
amendment, and/or 22 repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the
implementation of 23 this act on its effective date are authorized to be
made and completed 24 on or before such effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The five-year Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program,
overseen by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT ) and
the Thruway Authority, began in May 2023. The program has already iden-
tified over 130,000 speeding violations in work zones statewide.
Currently, law limits the installation of these monitoring systems to a
maximum of ten sites on the thruway, operational only when construction
is underway, and a work zone speed limit is in effect. This restriction
leaves many work sites unmonitored, increasing the risk of accidents and
injuries for both drivers and construction workers.
The proposed amendment to the legislation addresses this issue by elimi-
nating the option for the chair of the Thruway Authority to in stall a
limited number of photo speed violation monitoring systems. Instead, it
mandates the installation of at least two such system s in highway
construction or maintenance work areas located on controlled-access
highways or the thruway. Highway and Thruway construction and mainte-
nance zones are particularly hazardous for workers due to the high
speeds of passing vehicles. Additionally, with current shortages in the
police force, it's less likely that officers can be stationed at every
work zone. By mandating the installation of two photo speed violation
monitoring systems in each work zone, the bill aims to deter speeding
and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, even in the absence of a
physical police presence at every site.
Overall, this legislation represents a proactive effort to enhance safe-
ty in highway construction and maintenance zones. By mandating the
installation of at least two photo speed violation monitoring systems in
each work area, it demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting both
workers and drivers. This measure not only aims to prevent accidents and
injuries but also promotes a culture of cautious and responsible driving
in areas where the safety of road workers is critical.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law; provided, however, that the amendments to section 1 9
1180-e of the vehicle and traffic law made by section one of this act 20
shall not affect the repeal of such section and shall be deemed repealed
21 therewith. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment, and/or 22
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of 23
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
24 on or before such effective date