BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Common Council announced Tuesday it voted to approve an ordinance amendment to end the school speed zone camera program.
Officials say the amendment is now in front of City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. Mayor Brown has 10 days to approve or veto the amendment, thought, according to Council Member Wyatt, the Council super majority does not need the Mayor's approval. If that is accurate, the school speed zone cameras would be removed by September 1, 2021.
“Our goal has been to eliminate the school zone cameras along with the 50 dollar fines that have affected so many people over the past few months,” said University District Council Member Rasheed Wyatt. “This amendment aims to make that goal a reality by September 1st.”
The speed cameras will be replaced with speed bumps, signs and speed radar signs. The designated school zones will not have a speed limit of 10mph below the speed limit. Photo speed equipment can now only be set up with common council approval.
The speed camera decision passed 6-3. Mayor Brown was among those against it, as well as Council Member Joseph Golombek. According to Golombek, he fears Sensys Gatso, the company who installed the cameras, could sue.
"My feeling is that they are going to sue us, that we are going to lose, and then it's going to end up costing (the city) millions and millions of dollars," Golombek said.
The city now has 60 days to inform Sensys Gatso of the decision.
