Suffolk bill would regulate school speed cameras

A bill introduced Tuesday in the Suffolk County Legislature would require "clearly visible" warning signs at school speed camera sites and a two-week grace period after cameras go online, when drivers would get warnings instead of tickets mailed to them.

The bill's sponsor, Legis. Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk), said he was trying to prevent many of the problems that have arisen in Nassau since the county inaugurated its speed camera program this year. The Nassau program has sparked protests by residents who argue that the cameras are primarily meant to raise revenues, not improve safety.

"The public is already leery of school speed zone cameras. We have to make sure public safety is the No. 1 priority," said Schneiderman (I-Montauk). "I think it's important we learn from Nassau County's mistakes."

Suffolk is in the process of selecting a vendor to install and operate the cameras in each of its 69 school districts. The cameras could begin operating before the next school year, county officials said, although some have suggested the start could be pushed back until later in the fall.

Nassau is authorized to have speed cameras in 56 school zones, and officials expect all to be operational by the end of the year.

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano had to dismiss $2.4 million in tickets in August after residents complained about malfunctioning cameras and poor notification at camera sites. Some residents have called for the program to be ended altogether.

Violations in both counties cost $80 -- $50 in fines plus a $30 administrative fee.

Suffolk Deputy County Executive Jon Schneider said the administration of County Executive Steve Bellone supports the intent of Schneiderman's legislation, but that it would be better to wait to develop policies until a vendor is selected.

"There's nothing in the bill that strikes me as unreasonable. The timing may be off," Schneider said. Bellone "has been looking to move forward on speed cameras in a deliberative manner," Schneider said.

By David M. Schwartz

dschwar1@newsday.comschwartznewsNY

David Schwartz covers environmental issues. A native Long Islander, he's worked at Newsday since 2013.