Critics: Bases of former red light cameras pose threat

Critics of Suffolk's red light camera program say mounting posts at abandoned camera locations have not yet been removed and pose a danger to drivers and pedestrians. News 12 Long Island was at a location

News 12 Staff

Jan 16, 2016, 4:19 AM

Updated 3,158 days ago

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Critics of Suffolk's red light camera program say mounting posts at abandoned camera locations have not yet been removed and pose a danger to drivers and pedestrians.
News 12 Long Island was at a location in Islandia, where only the base exists of what was once a red light camera post. Inside the base were wires and sharp metal. The red light camera at Veterans Highway and Motor Parkway was erected in 2010 and abandoned in 2013.
Suffolk insists locations are left behind only after safety improvements are made. In Suffolk's red light program 2013 report, the camera at that location was only able to document three violators a day, instead of an anticipated 100 violations a day.
By its own admission, the Suffolk County red light safety program abandoned 35 locations.
Army veteran Julian Bosch says an abandoned base in Selden has caused several accidents. "I've seen kids drive by on their bikes and their skateboards and drive right into it. It is an outstanding issue that could cause some harm to children or people walking by," Bosch told News 12.
Suffolk's Department of Public Works engineers say they're are checking locations to secure those loose wires and bases.
In a statement, DPW Commissioner Gil Anderson says, "We have contacted the contractor to ensure that all equipment has been properly removed...The safety of both our motorists and pedestrians continues to be our highest priority."