Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The eyes of the law will be watching you as you pass through school speed zones in the city of Buffalo beginning Monday. Literally.
Fourteen school speed zone cameras are going LIVE and that number will grow to 20 in coming weeks as violations are automatically sent to drivers speeding in excess of 26 mph in school zones.
"These cameras and the law allow people to go 25 mph without getting a school zone camera infraction or violation. These tickets will go out at 26 mph", says Buffalo Parking Commissioner Kevin Helfer, who notes that while the speed zone is 15 mph, the legislation passed by New York State only allows for camera images to be taken of vehicles driving in excess of 25 mph.
There will be a learning curve for the public and a grace period until February 6th when tickets will be written, but only as a warning. After the grace period, the violations will be in the amount of $50.
Helfer point out an important distinction with the camera system, saying, "if the police get you for speeding it is a moving violation, points will go on your license, insurance will go up. With the school zone it's an infraction trated basically as a parking ticket and a $50 violation". Helfer also notes it's still important to understand that while the cameras won't issue a violation until 26 mph, police officers patroling school zones can and will issue violations over 15 mph.
The city has partnered with Sensys Gatso for the speed zone cameras and the program doesn't represent a financial burden on the city. $14 of each $50 violation goes to the vendor and the remaining fine goes to the city. Mayor Byron Brown says the purpose of the school zone cameras is to protect children going to and from school. "The whole intent behind this is making sure that our children are safe going to and from school", said Brown.
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