Pols OK more speed cams near schools

The state Legislature overwhelmingly approved a bill Tuesday expanding the use of speed cameras in school zones across the city.

“No parent, senior, or pedestrian of any age should live in fear of crossing the street because of speeding traffic. This program slows traffic and saves lives. Plain and simple,” said state Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn), who sponsored the bill along with Assemblywoman Deborah Glick (DlManhattan).

Under the legislation, the number of authorized school zones where cameras may be placed will increase to 750 from 140, and the hours of operation expanded to 6 a.m. through 10 p.m., Monday through Friday.

A separate measure establishing a similar speed camera pilot program in Buffalo was also approved Tuesday.

The pair of bills easily passed the Democratic-controlled Assembly and Senate after languishing for years as Republicans in the Senate stalled attempts to make the program permanent. Gov. Cuomo said he will sign the legislation.

Amy Cohen, who lost her 12-year-old son, Sammy Cohen Eckstein, in 2013 to a speeding driver, applauded the passage.

“We have been fighting for years to protect more New Yorkers from reckless drivers, so we’re pleased to finally see this new state Legislature approve a dramatic expansion of the lifesaving speed safety camera program. As we know all too well, speeding is a deadly act and has to stop,” said Cohen, who founded the advocacy group Families for Safe Streets following her son’s death.