At the December 6 General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), a longtime opponent of the Red[1]Light Camera Ticket Program, sponsored a resolution to repeal the $30 administration fee charged to motorists. It passed with a veto-proof majority of 12 in favor, including all of the Republican legislators and Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), with the six other Democrats voting against it.
Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holbrook) co-sponsored the resolution and likewise took to social media to hail the decision as a win for Long Islanders.
“The abuse of the taxpayers is coming to an end in Suffolk County,” added Piccirillo.
With its veto-proof majority, County Executive Steve Bellone (D) is expected to sign the bill into law. This law takes effect immediately upon filing with the Office of the Secretary of State.
The administration of the red-light camera ticket program and the collection of associated fines and fees was unhindered by the cyber-attack on the county government.
The administration of the red[1]light camera ticket program and the collection of associated fines and fees was unhindered by the cyber-attack on the county government.
“Since the inception of this program, I have stated repeatedly that this is nothing more than a ‘money grab’ to generate revenue by the County Executive,” said Trotta. “Over the years, I have received numerous complaints from my constituents and other residents that the program is not viable and that the administrative fee is ridiculous.”
“Especially now with inflation and the price of all goods and services increasing, I am sure the residents can find a better use for that $30 if they get a ticket,” he added.
As reported by other media outlets, Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) has stated his intent to remove cameras from intersections where vehicle accidents have increased since the program’s implementation.
Accidents at red light cameras between 2007-2009 and 2015-2017 increased by 60%, with the cameras inequitably distributed across legislative districts. In 2018, Scientific American published the article ‘Red Light Cameras May Not Maker Streets Safer’ pointing to an increase in rear end collisions fueled by drivers fears of fines.
“Moreover, the fee was illegal, and the courts ruled that it was in fact illegal, but the Bellone administration kept charging it rather than raise taxes by 30%. This is a scam that he used to bilk the hard-working people of Suffolk County,” added Trotta.
The Bellone Administration and Trotta have long disagreed over what Trotta has coined “taxation through fees.”
Legislator Bridgett Fleming (D-Noyac), whose district has no red-light cameras, argued against the legality of the resolution because all impacts in revenue need to specify an offset to any financial loss.
Republicans pointed to next February when they will be able to amend the operating budget to adjust for the approximately $7 million reduction in revenue.
Republicans across the county hailed the move as the fulfillment of a years-in-the-making campaign promise.
The program itself and the $50 fine charged to motorists in violation are still in full effect.
