Suffolk Co. lawmakers warn drivers about new speed cameras

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (WABC) -- Some lawmakers in Suffolk County are now taking action to warn drivers with signs saying "School Speed Zone Ahead."

Those cameras caused an outrage in nearby Nassau County because many drivers who got expensive tickets weren't even aware there were cameras in the area.

"I think it is a way to make money," said Charles Ryan, a Laurel Hollow resident. "I just think speed cameras in general are a little over the top,"

After what many people on Long Island considered a botched roll out of the cameras in Nassau County, they're keeping a very close eye on how Suffolk plans to roll them out next year.

"We need to learn the mistakes from Nassau County," said Legislator Jay Schneiderman, (I) Montauk.

Legislator Jay Schneiderman is proposing a bill that aims to raise awareness about the cameras.

The legislature discussed it Thursday in Hauppauge.

The bill ensures that every camera location will have clearly visible warning signs with flashing lights.

There would be a two week grace period for each camera.

And Suffolk would make sure people were aware of them via ads and all over social media.

"If we're going to do the cameras, which right now we have a budget that calls for them, we got to go out of our way to make sure the public is fully notified so we don't see a situation like Nassau County saw," Schneiderman said.

And speaking of the budget, Suffolk County has already put in its budget for next year the $4 million it expects to generate from the cameras.

But legislators acknowledge there's a still a lot of work to do.

"There's been no law or local resolution that's been adopted that actually puts the program in place," said George Nolan, Suffolk County Attorney.

They haven't even figured out which company would install and operate them.

"We have a $4 million dollar revenue stream that either will be realized or will wind up being a hole in the budget," said Legislator John Kennedy, Jr., (R) Smithtown.