Mayor Adams, DOT Commissioner Rodriguez Prepare for Expansion of Red-Light Cameras in Nation's Largest Automated Enforcement Network

March 31, 2025

Vendor Verra Mobility Identified to Manage NYC’s Network of Camera Enforcement Programs Against Red-Light Running, Speeding, Obstructing Bus Lanes, and Operating Overweight Trucks on Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

Program’s Expansion Builds on Adams Administration’s Commitment to Keep NYC’s Streets Safe

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced DOT has identified a vendor to continue managing New York City’s automated enforcement camera programs, including its red-light cameras, speed cameras, and bus lane enforcement cameras citywide, as well as cameras used to enforce weight limits on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). Verra Mobility was identified to manage the programs — the largest network of its kind in the nation — and DOT will now enter into contract negotiations with the company. DOT’s automated enforcement programs have proven highly effective at changing driver behavior and making streets safer. The selection stems from a request for proposals (RFP) issued last summer and is expected to include a five-year contract.

All of New York City’s automated enforcement camera programs require state authorization and include caps on the number of locations where cameras can be sited. This previously included a stringent cap on the number of locations where red-light cameras could be installed — just 150 signalized intersections, or less than 1 percent of the intersections in the city. Last year, the Adams administration successfully advocated for the expansion of red-light cameras to additional locations, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation into law renewing and expanding the city’s red-light camera program to 600 signalized intersections. The city plans to begin its red-light camera program expansion this year.

“Expanding automated enforcement cameras in New York City are a necessary step toward making our streets safer for all New Yorkers, and since the passage of this law, we’ve increased the use of these technologies — reducing dangerous driving behaviors and crashes, and ultimately saving lives,” said Mayor Adams. “Traffic safety is public safety, and even before this weekend’s tragic accident in Brooklyn, we knew that it was vital that we hold dangerous drivers accountable. This year, we will quadruple the number of red-light cameras across the five boroughs to save lives — ensuring consistent enforcement that protects pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicle drivers alike. Today, we are working toward a safer and more responsible city for all that can be the best place to raise a family.”

“Automated enforcement is critical to keeping all roadway users safe and protecting our infrastructure,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeffrey D. Roth. “Thank you to our state partners for expanding our ability to use this technology to deter speeding, red-light running, and reducing the number of overweight trucks on the BQE. Now, wherever drivers might break the rules, our speed and red-light cameras, and even our buses, might catch them in the act, ultimately encouraging better, safer driving.”

“Automated enforcement cameras have proven highly effective at changing driving behavior to reduce speeding, red-light running, blocking bus-stops, and driving overweight vehicles on the BQE. We are happy to expand this work, which has been among the keys to our Vision Zero efforts to save lives on our streets,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “Whether we are expanding our work against overweight trucks or dramatically growing the reach of our red-light cameras, we expect that we can continue our nation-leading efforts to keep our roadways safe.”

DOT’s automated enforcement programs are designed and closely monitored by agency staff, covering thousands of cameras and sensors that help to enforce New York state laws against drivers who, among other violations, exceed speed limits and drive in or obstruct bus lanes. In 2023, New York City also became the first city in the nation to use automated enforcement sensors against overweight trucks on the BQE.

The RFP issued last summer, sought applicants with a deep understanding of automated traffic enforcement and had the expertise, experience, and financial strength necessary to improve New York City’s programs. The RFP also sought applicants that could sustain a five-year contract. After an in-depth evaluation of all applicants’ technical proposals, field product demonstrations, and oral presentations to an evaluation committee and technical advisors, DOT identified Verra Mobility as both having the capacity to operate large-scale camera systems and the technical capabilities to expand to newer equipment. As part of the RFP, the city had specifically asked companies to leverage recent innovations in camera-based technology to tackle new challenges, including the growth in obscured license plates used on ghost cars. DOT expects the selected firm to upgrade the current Automated Traffic Enforcement systems while maintaining public safety and program performance. Among the other standout features of the company’s proposal were a commitment to 32 percent minority- and women-owned business enterprise utilization and a commitment to community partnerships and education.

In 2022, Governor Hochul and the state Legislature approved an expansion of the speed camera program to 24/7 operation after the Adams administration’s advocacy, leading to 30 percent decline in speed camera violations over the first year expanded hours were in effect. That state law is up for reauthorization in the current state legislative session.

Automated enforcement has grown as an efficient, effective, and bias-free tool for traffic safety — a fair way to enforce traffic laws that allow law enforcement personnel to spend limited time fighting other crime. The locations of New York City’s automated enforcement cameras are equitable and driven solely by vehicle crash and other safety and traffic data. Verra Mobility will continue to be paid a flat rate, and receive no portion of violation revenue; this is designed to remove incentives to over-issue violations. Every violation captured by the contractor’s enforcement cameras and sensors are reviewed by DOT staff before violations are issued. The city staff reviewers have the sole discretion to determine whether collected photos and videos provide evidence of a violation, and then issue and mail a violation to a vehicle owner. The New York City Department of Finance will continue to collect fine payments, as well as schedule and conduct hearings to adjudicate violations.