They’re putting the brakes on pedal pushers.
In an early-morning ending to a marathon legislative session, state lawmakers finally voted to allow speeding cameras near New York City schools.
“I could not be more thrilled,” said Juan Martinez of Transportation Alternatives, which pushed for the law. “Finally we’re doing everything we can to protect kids …. from law breaking drivers.”
The cameras will be positioned in 20 undisclosed school zones around the city.
Drivers who get caught speeding by the cameras will not be penalized with points on their license, but will get slapped with a $50 fine.
Installing the cameras has been a priority of Mayor Bloomberg, who blasted Senate Republicans as “reckless and negligent” for mothballing the measure.
The city Department of Transportation released a map earlier this year documenting 100 locations where 75 percent of vehicles were documented speeding within a quarter-mile of New York City schools.
More than 120 jurisdictions across the nation currently use speed cameras.
The legislation was held up chiefly by Republican Leader Dean Skelos and Brooklyn state Sens. Martin Golden, a Republican, and Simcha Felder, a Democrat.
Advocates said that Golden, an ex-city cop, was carrying water for the city Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, which wanted to hold the cameras hostage in a battle with Bloomberg over cuts to the city’s police force. Golden ultimately voted yes on the bill. The bill needs Gov. Cuomo’s signature to become law.