BUFFALO (WBEN) - On Tuesday, the Buffalo Common Council voted 6-3 to rescind the controversial school speed zone camera program that issues automatic citations to drivers more than 26 miles per hour in designated school zones.
Mayor Byron Brown has been an unwavering supporter of the program despite the mixed opinions, and he said the decision by the Council is "concerning."
"I think the school speed zone program has been working," said Brown in a Wednesday morning interview with WBEN. "It is proven to be successful - people are slowing down, and our children and other members of our community are safer as a result."
The matter now heads to Brown's desk as he contemplates whether or not to veto the Council's decision. If he does decide to veto, his veto could be overridden with a two-thirds majority vote.
Brown said he's going to take his time with the decision to veto, as he has 10 days to do it, and he hopes to talk with council members to discuss and share the data.
"Data shows that the program is working, that people are slowing down, that less citations are being issued, and because people are slowing down, children, parents, school workers are safer in these school zones," said Brown.
"Hopefully at the end of the day, the members of the Council will make an informed decision, not an emotional decision, not a decision reacting to the complaints of a few, but responding to the safety needs of the many."
