Democratic legislators in Nassau County are calling for an immediate suspension of the controversial school speed zone camera program, even though some of them signed off on the program.

Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature unanimously approved the speed zone cameras back in June. Since then, 26 cameras have been installed in school districts across Nassau County, but Democrats now say the program is not what they envisioned. They are criticizing the lack of signage and flashing lights to warn drivers that cameras are rolling, which has prompted complaints from residents.

"This was never supposed to be a 'gotcha' program," said Legislator Judy Jacobs.

Legislator Carrie Solages agreed, saying, "The way this program is being administered and enforced, it's truly aggressive upon our communities, and I'm asking for this program to be repealed."

Jacobs says it would cost $6.5 million to install the flashing yellow lights and signage in all 56 school districts. At issue is how to pay for the hefty cost.

County Republicans have proposed using funds borrowed from the county's Community Revitalization Program. But Democrats argue that those funds are borrowed from taxpayers and must be paid back with interest. The Democrats say they want to pay for the lights and signs with the revenue from speed camera tickets that the program issues, which the county says could total $30 million per year.

Nassau officials disputed the Democrats' change of position. In a statement, John Marks, executive director of the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency, said, "The Democrats voted in favor of the program and blocked the funding necessary to install flashing lights countywide."