Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Controversy surrounding the school speed zone camera program in Buffalo continues to swirl after the Common Council this week voted to seek a pause in the program. Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Byron Brown told WBEN he will have nothing to do with a pause.
"I don't see a reason to pause the cameras," said a passionate Mayor Brown as he detailed his reasoning to continue the speed zone program, which currently is only active in two areas on Bailey Avenue and in South Buffalo where there are schools in session.
"We will not compromise on the safety of children," said an emotional Brown as he told me, "I get the calls."
Brown says before the speed zone camera program was implemented, there were numerous complaints from city residents about speeding in their neighborhoods and nearby schools in the city.
The Buffalo Common Council Tuesday voted to ask for a pause in the program which has been dogged by delays in fine mailings.
"People are concerned about a $50 citation. I'm concerned about the life of any one child."
Mayor Brown is aware of criticism that the program is feeding millions in revenuue into the city's accounts but says the city has given tens of millions of dollars back to the community in the form of elimination of various fines and fees.
The Common Council does not have the authority to pause the program, only the the Mayor has that ability and it would appear that won't happen anytime soon.
"I'm not going to back up. I'm not going to ease up"
