SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Starting Nov. 2, Syracuse drivers must be much more cautious when driving in local neighborhoods. The city’s two-month grace period for speed and red-light cameras has ended, and $50 fines are now being issued for violations instead of warning tickets.
According to city data, approximately 95,300 warnings were recorded around schools during the September-October grace period. The city reported approximately 60,000 warnings in the first two weeks of the program, followed by 35,300 warnings in the second two weeks, showing a 41% decrease as drivers adjusted their behavior.
As letters begin arriving in residents’ mailboxes, the program has already prompted complaints from people unfamiliar with speed and red-light cameras, their purpose, and their locations.
Local resident Evan Deede said the enforcement is nothing more than a revenue generator.
“This is all just a money grab for the city,” Deede said.
So what are speed and red-light cameras and how can you comply
Speed cameras and red-light cameras are automated devices designed to enforce traffic laws. Speed cameras, typically mounted on the side of the road, detect vehicles exceeding posted speed limits, while red-light cameras, positioned above intersections, capture vehicles that run red lights. Both systems take photos or video of the vehicle and its license plate, which can result in a ticket mailed to the registered owner.
To comply with the rules, drivers should follow posted speed limits, especially in school zones, and come to a full stop at red lights. Paying attention to traffic signs and school zone hours can help avoid fines and keep roads safer for everyone. The city of Syracuse advises that drivers who receive tickets have a set period to pay or dispute them to avoid an additional $25 late penalty.
Active school speed-zone camera locations
- Lemoyne Ave. – Montessori School
- Grant Blvd. – Grant Middle School
- Wadsworth St. – Webster Elementary School
- Durston Ave. – Salem Hyde Elementary School
- James St. – Lincoln Middle School
- Oak St. – Dr. Weeks Elementary School
- S. Salina St. – Clary Middle School
- Newell St. – McKinley-Brighton School
- W. Brighton Ave. – Danforth Middle School
- S. Geddes St. – Fowler High School
- S. Geddes St. – Bellevue Elementary School
- W. Kennedy St. – Beard-McCarthy School
- S. Salina St. – Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC High School)
- Shonnard St. – Seymour Dual Language Academy
- James St. – Blessed Sacrament School