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Suffolk County’s red light cameras have officially been turned off.
The county’s 216 cameras, installed at intersections across Suffolk, were unplugged on Dec. 1, marking the end of a controversial program that began 14 years ago.
County Executive Ed Romaine, joined by members of the legislature and other local officials, held a press conference in Holbrook on Monday to announce the program’s conclusion.
From 2013 to 2023, the Red Light Safety Program, as it was named, generated $289 million in revenue for Suffolk County, according to Newsday. However, the initiative drew mixed reviews from residents and officials alike.
Supporters have long argued that the cameras improve safety by deterring speeding and reducing crashes. Opponents countered these claims, calling the program a cash grab for municipalities.
Reports suggest the program’s safety impact may have been limited. Since its inception, overall accidents at red light camera locations increased by 9%, with rear-end collisions rising by 50%, according to Newsday.
Although the cameras are no longer issuing new tickets, violations recorded before Dec. 1 will still be processed, according to the county.
Meanwhile, neighboring Nassau County will continue its red light camera program, which was recently extended. Nassau County just reduced the cost of its tickets from $150 to $50 after an appellate court ruled its administration fees illegal.
Top: Red light camera, now offline, stationed at the corner of Route 83 and Horseblock Road in Farmingville. (GLI Photo/Nick Esposito)
