Suffolk drivers call out legislators over 'outrageous' red light camera program

More than two dozen Suffolk County residents spoke out Tuesday against a bill to extend a controversial red light camera program.

News 12 Staff

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Jul 16, 2019, 9:37 PM

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Updated 1,985 days ago

More than two dozen Suffolk County residents spoke out Tuesday against a bill to extend a controversial red light camera program.

Drivers say the ticket fees are ridiculous and that there are problems with the program.

"I don't know how any politician who votes in favor of this law--with its outrageous fines and other flaws--can look herself or himself in the mirror and not feel ashamed of what he or she has done," said McGrath Dermott, of North Babylon.

Other people in the crowd said that it has actually made driving more dangerous in their neighborhood.

"I can tell you, the accidents have at least doubled at the intersection I live in since this was in," said Dan McCarthy, of West Babylon. "So I kindly remind you--you're interrupting the quality of life of my family, you're jeopardizing the safety of the residents that live in my community and this really is just a money grab."

There was a 60% increase in accidents at intersections where red light cameras were installed, according to a three-year study paid for by the county that News 12 reported on last month.

Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory says despite those statistics, the same study reveals an 11% decrease in accidents with injuries or fatalities.

Gregory says they take people's concerns seriously and that it's still an "adjustment period."