Amid Safety Concerns, 22 Cameras Will Get Installed On Southern State

LONG ISLAND, NY — Plans are being made to improve safety on the Southern State Parkway. State Senator John Brooks (D-Massapequa) announced an initiative on Friday that calls for the installation of 22 cameras at strategic points on the highway.

The cameras will be able to collect driver's license plate information.

Data from the cameras will help state troopers identify drivers with outstanding warrants, as well as address traffic patterns and behavior.

Additionally, the cameras are expected to act as a deterrent against speeding, Brooks' office said in a release.

"For far too long, this 10-mile stretch of road has proven to be a danger to motorists, causing a litany of deadly crashes as a result, so we must do everything we can to protect our community," Brooks said. "By installing these license plate readers, we can ensure that our police officers are able to better navigate the hazardous conditions presented by the Southern State Parkway, and ultimately ensure that Long Islanders are protected."

Similar programs are used in Freeport and parts of Suffolk County.

Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages said: "The Southern State Parkway continues to be one of the deadliest highways in the state, witnessing hundreds of accidents and several deaths. The mounting number of commuters has become untenable, so it’s important we provide our troopers with the support they need to maintain our safety."