We will improve our ability to enforce traffic laws
The number of vehicles is not the only contributor to congestion. Drivers who violate traffic laws make congestion worse. While the City undertakes focused efforts to increase enforcement, we must make broader, more systematic changes to enhance enforcement. We will undertake two initiatives and advocate for State action on a third to ensure that many drivers do not suffer from unnecessary congestion due to the illegal behavior of a few.

We will expand the number of Traffic Enforcement Agents
There are an estimated 800 intersections around New York City-in all five boroughs-where the presence of traffic enforcement agents (TEA) will be beneficial-not as ticket writers, but as traffic directors. The NYPD currently has approximately 500 "level 2" traffic enforcement agents whose main role is to direct traffic. But on any given day, the majority wind up not controlling the flow at busy intersections, but ensuring the movement of traffic around construction sites and other disruptions. To provide the coverage that will keep traffic moving, the NYPD will increase the force of level 2 TEAs by 100 agents this year, to be followed by further increases in the future.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
Postponed from to fiscal year 2009 due to budget constraints. Recruiting expected to begin in fall 2008.

We will enable all TEAs to issue blocking-the-box tickets
A major cause of true gridlock is drivers choosing to "block the box"-to cross an intersection even if there is no room on the other side. But writing a "blocking-the-box" ticket is currently a state-regulated moving violation, which may only be issued by police officers and selected traffic enforcement agents. We will seek to create a new parking violation that will allow both police officers and all TEAs to write block-the-box tickets faster, which will encourage more vigilant ticketing of violators.

Progress (4/22/08):
In February of 2008 Senator Lanza and Assembly Member Kavanaugh introduced legislation in Albany that would amend the State Vehicle and Traffic law to allow the block the box violation to be treated as a parking violation, affording all TEAs the ability to issue the violation.

We will expand the use of traffic enforcement cameras
Along with blocking the box, another significant cause of congestion-and a major safety hazard-is the running of red lights. Currently, New York State law allows the City to use only 100 red light cameras among the city's 12,000 signalized intersections. Further, cameras are not allowed to be used for speeding violations.

To improve the flow of traffic and to improve safety on our streets, we will seek state authorization to expand the use of red light cameras dramatically, and to begin using them to enforce speeding laws. We will also use the cameras more effectively, by rotating them around the city, so that drivers will not be able to predict where they are located. In this way, we will change driver behavior and at the same time minimize the chance that drivers will cause accidents by stopping short at the last minute in order to avoid receiving a summons.

Progress (4/22/08):
In January of 2007 Senator Padavan and Assembly Member Glick intorduced legislation authorizing the use of cameras to photograph the license plates of those vehicles traveling at speeds exceeding the speed limit. In March of 2008 Senator Golden and Assembly Member Bing introduced legislation authorizing the use of cameras to photograph vehicle license plates in order to issue violations to those vehicles intruding in designated bus lanes.