SYRACUSE, NY (CNY Central) — Frustration is growing among Central New Yorkers over the state’s work zone speed enforcement program, which has been in place since 2021. The program, part of legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, uses cameras to monitor vehicle speeds in construction zones. If a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the registered owner receives a notice of liability in the mail, with fines starting at $50 and increasing for additional offenses within an 18-month period.
Noelle Schalk, a recipient of such a notice, expressed her frustration after receiving a ticket for a violation committed by her estranged husband, who was driving her car at the time. “I’m frustrated because it goes against me. These are on my license, it’s on my name and I feel like it’s not fair,” Schalk said.
Schalk described the process of disputing the ticket as cumbersome, noting that she was instructed to submit documentation without the opportunity for a direct conversation. “Everybody’s situation is different and I feel like there could be a one off for a lot of people,” she said.
Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, defended the program, stating, “It’s clear people slow down when there’s camera enforcement in a work zone. It makes a huge difference.” She added, “If it saves one life, it’s worth every minute, every penny.”
Since the program’s inception, over 425,000 notices of liability have been issued statewide, generating at least $21.25 million in fines. This figure does not include the 38,000 repeat offenders.
For those who were not driving when their car was fined, taking the matter to court is an option. Matthew Winchell, an associate attorney at Tully Rinckey, said, “The government needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed that crime. Not that your car committed that crime.”
Schalk acknowledged the program’s purpose but called for more human connection in the dispute process. “The lanes are smaller, there is no room for error and you hear all about the construction workers getting killed and it’s not worth it,” she said. “I feel like there should be cameras up, but there should be another way to go about this.”
