BILL NUMBER: S7802A
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to owner
liability for failure of operator to comply with certain posted maximum
speed limits in the town of Yorktown, Westchester county; and to amend
the general municipal law, in relation to making technical corrections
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Allows the Department of Transportation to operate the existing highway
work zone speed camera program in work zones located within the Town of
Yorktown, Westchester County, upon approval of the town.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 names the act "Jake's Law."
Section 2 amends section 1180-e of the vehicle and traffic law to
authorize the commissioner of transportation to operate the existing
highway work zone speed camera demonstration program in highway
construction and maintenance work areas located within the Town of York-
town, Westchester County, upon written approval from the town. The town
may rescind or modify such approval at any time.
Section 3 makes conforming technical amendments to section 371-a of the
general municipal law.
Section 4 authorizes the Town of Yorktown and the Department of Trans-
portation to install signage providing advance notice of photo speed
violation monitoring systems and authorizes the town to conduct a public
information campaign regarding the program.
Section 5 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Road work zones are dangerous areas for the men and women responsible
for maintaining and repairing our transportation infrastructure. Exces-
sive speed through active work zones places workers, motorists, and
emergency personnel at risk of serious injury or death. Because it is
not practical to station law enforcement personnel at every work zone,
automated enforcement has become an important tool for improving compli-
ance with posted speed limits and protecting roadway workers.
This bill expands the locations where the State's existing work zone
speed camera program may operate by authorizing the Department of Trans-
portation, with the approval of the Town of Yorktown, to deploy the
program in work zones located within the town. By utilizing the existing
State-administered framework, the bill will help deter dangerous speed-
ing and improve safety for workers and the traveling public.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A.9283A
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Ninety days after it shall have become law.

Statutes affected:
S7802: 1180-e vehicle and traffic law, 371-a general municipal law
S7802A: 1180-e vehicle and traffic law, 371-a general municipal law