Speed cameras in New York City got the support of the City Council yesterday, with a vote to send a resolution to Albany asking that state lawmakers approve the pilot program.
Council Speaker Christine Quinn said the state legislation should start off by approving up to 40 cameras that would be scattered throughout the five boroughs to catch lead-footed motorists.
“Some people feel that again, Big Brother is watching, but I want you to know that if you’re going 50 miles an hour at a school site or near a senior center, I would like Big Brother to watch. I would like you off the street,” Council Transportation Committee Chairman James Vacca (D-Bronx) said.
Legislation to approve up to 40 of the cameras has been introduced in the state Legislature for the past two years, but has failed to pass.
It faces opposition from some lawmakers who fear it’s just another way to generate revenue for the city.
The council also approved reducing its own fiscal year 2014 budget by 1.1 percent — the same as the mayor’s office, but less than other city agencies.
It represents a decrease of $573,000, to $51.5 million, Quinn said.