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In May 2019, Gov. Cuomo signed legislation to reinstate the speed camera program in New York City and expand the number of authorized school speed zones from 140 to 750. The bill also expanded the hours of the program to weekdays between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
By Michael V. Cusenza
The death of a drag-racing motorist in Lindenwood Sunday morning drove at least one City official to call for the expansion of the school-zone speed camera program.
Shaquan Nelson, 27, was reportedly ejected from his vehicle in a fiery crash around 4 a.m. on 79th Street near S. Conduit Avenue. Witnesses told police that Nelson’s car spun out of control, hit a pole and burst into flames, sources told the New York Daily News.
Nelson was rushed to nearby Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Drag-racing has long been a quality-of-life issue in the area.
On Monday, City Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman released a statement regarding Sunday morning’s accident.
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“Sunday morning’s horrible crash near Conduit Boulevard illustrates the need for an expansion of the City’s authority to operate its lifesaving school-zone speed cameras,” City Dot Commissioner Gutman said.
“While DOT is continuing to work with NYPD on the investigation, Sunday morning’s horrible crash near Conduit Boulevard illustrates the need for an expansion of the City’s authority to operate its lifesaving school-zone speed cameras,” Gutman said. “The high-speed fatal crash, which took the life of 27-year-old Shaquan Nelson, happened at 4a.m. in a Lindenwood school zone with camera enforcement, but outside the hours when cameras are legally allowed to operate. We once again urge the State Legislature to pass S5602/A6681, the bill sponsored by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Deborah Glick, which would allow our cameras to operate 24/7 – critical as one-third of fatal crashes on city streets last year happened in school speed zones during hours when cameras could not operate. Speed cameras have proven an efficient and equitable way to reduce speeding, and their operation around-the-clock will surely reduce the tragic consequences of late-night reckless driving.”
On Mother’s Day 2019, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation to reinstate the speed camera program in New York City and expand the number of authorized school speed zones from 140 to 750. The bill also expanded the hours of the program to weekdays between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Gounardes and Glick sponsored that bill as well.
“There is no greater message on Mother’s Day than doubling down on our commitment to ensuring the safety of our students getting to and from school,” Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said at the time. “No parent should have to question whether or not they’ll see their child again at the end of the day. This legislation allows for the expanded operation of speed cameras around schools in New York City. Speed cameras are vital to monitor traffic and keep our students free from harm, helping to save lives.”
