New York City’s 2000 speed cameras will now operate 24/7, starting tonight

Starting on Monday, New York City officials will “flip the switch” to turn on a large number of speed enforcement cameras for constant operation.

Starting at 10 p.m. on Monday, August 1, New York City will deploy 2000 speed cameras to operate around the clock, every day, in order to reduce traffic fatalities.

Previously, the law only allowed for the operation of the the speed cameras on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. A new law signed in June by New York Governor Kathy Hochul now allows the cameras to operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams flipped a ceremonial switch to “turn on” the speed cameras during a Monday press event.

“Traffic safety is public safety, and today marks the start of a new chapter for traffic safety in our city,” said Mayor Adams. “This is a promise made and promise kept: Together with Deputy Mayor Joshi, Commissioner Rodriguez, and advocates, we fought to get this done in Albany. We must ensure that everyone can share the street space safely, and 24/7 speed cameras will protect our city and save lives.”

“The NYPD is committed to driving down fatalities,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Royster. “Extending the hours of speed cameras in our communities is another layer of enforcement that will hold reckless drivers accountable and protect our most vulnerable road users. We support this technology and will work with our Vision Zero partners to educate the public. The message is clear: Slow down. Everyone should drive safely because traffic safety is public safety.”

Speed cameras and automated traffic enforcement reduce speeding by 72 percent on average, according to New York City officials.