BUFFALO (WBEN) - As several Buffalo lawmakers are pushing for an end to the school zone speed camera program, Mayor Byron Brown remains steadfast in his belief the cameras are necessary for community safety.
"The data shows that people are slowing down, making our school speed zones safer, making our children safer, and that's what this program is all about," said Brown. "Responding to the complaints and concerns of residents that people were speeding past schools, speeding through their neighborhoods, and this program has begun to reduce speeds in school zones."
On Tuesday, a resolution was introduced in the Buffalo Common Council that would remove the cameras and replace them with LED radar speed signs by September 1.
Councilman Rasheed Wyatt, who has been an outspoken opponent of the program, said "non-punitive" measures to replace the cameras, such as speed humps, would also be considered.
"At the end of the day, we want to make sure the cameras come down," Wyatt said.
Councilman Chris Scanlon is a proponent of the program, but he admitted there have been issues with its implementation.
"I think they're absolutely imperative to slowing people down who are driving through school zones," said Scanlon. "We've seen compliance rates skyrocket since their installation."
Brown also insinuated that much of the push back is coming from people who never wanted to see the program succeed in the first place.
"Ive heard concerns from a few, not many, and I think individuals who are responsible for policy and then do everything in their power to disrupt the smooth implementation of policy can't deem something unsuccessful when they do everything to create chaos and prevent success," he said.
Brown would not answer when asked if he would veto any vote the council could potentially make to disband the program.
