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Speed cameras coming soon to MTA bridges and tunnels in NYC
By
Jon Campbell
Published May 8, 2025
Modified May 8, 2025
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Marc A. Hermann / MTA
By
Jon Campbell
Published May 8, 2025
Modified May 8, 2025
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Speeding through a work zone on the MTA’s bridges and tunnels could soon result in an automatic ticket being mailed to your home.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers agreed to extend and expand an existing pilot program for speed cameras in work zones as part of their $254 billion state budget agreement, which faces a vote this week.
As part of the deal, the MTA will be allowed to install cameras on its seven bridges and two tunnels, including the Verrazzano Bridge, the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and the Queens-Midtown Tunnel.
Hochul first proposed adding cameras to the New York City crossings two years ago, but lawmakers pushed back. This time, they relented — though Hochul was unsuccessful in making the program permanent. In a compromise, it will be up for renewal in 2031.
Hochul’s office said holding speeders accountable is a matter of public safety.
“Expanding this successful program to MTA Bridges and Tunnels is one more way the governor is working to improve safety on our roads and bridges for workers and travelers alike," spokesperson Kara Cumoletti said in a statement.
The state had already allowed speed cameras at up to 10 construction or maintenance zones on the state Thruway and up to 20 on highways managed by the state Department of Transportation. Now, the Thruway and DOT will be able to double the number of zones and the MTA will be able to participate after holding a public hearing and a board vote.
In a statement, MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan praised the change.
“We want to make sure that our maintenance workers and contractors are safe, and this is another tool to accomplish that, for which we are grateful to the governor and the legislature,” Sheridan said.
The state Bridge Authority — which owns five Hudson River crossings north of the city, including the Rip Van Winkle Bridge — will also be allowed to install cameras.
If the camera captures a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, the registered owner will be fined $50 for a first violation. A second violation within an 18-month period would draw a $75 fine, while each subsequent violation would be $100.
The state’s existing pilot program had been set to expire next year before lawmakers agreed to extend it. Hochul had initially pushed to make the program permanent before settling on a five-year extension.
The governor also wanted to increase the fines for a second or third offense, but lawmakers wouldn’t get on board.
The speed camera program isn’t the only transportation initiative expanded as part of the state budget deal so far.
Hochul and lawmakers also agreed to expand an automatic ticketing system for overweight trucks on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, allowing New York City to bring automated weight sensors to a handful of bridges, including the Queensboro and Greenpoint Avenue bridges.
The Legislature began voting on the remaining budget bills Wednesday, a week-and-a-half after Hochul announced she had struck a tentative deal with legislative leaders.
Voting will continue through much of the week, at least.
Tagged
new york city
Politics
transportation
Jon Campbell
Jon Campbell covers the New York State Capitol for WNYC and Gothamist. Prior to that, he covered the Capitol for more than a decade for the USA TODAY Network. He has twice earned the Walter T. Brown Memorial Award, an honor given annually by the Legislative Correspondents Association alumni for outstanding state government coverage. Jon grew up in the Buffalo area and graduated from the University at Albany. Got a tip? Email Jon at [email protected] or Signal at JonCampbellNY.90.
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