6.7 Million and Counting: Albany, New York's School-Zone Speed Cameras Raise Questions

This article was co-created with the assistance of AI, together with editorial input from DJ for Change.

When the City of Albany, New York installed speed cameras in school zones, officials promised two things: safer streets for children and a modest but reliable stream of municipal revenue. The latest numbers—over $6.7 million in fines issued since the program began—have sparked heated debate.

Is this primarily about protecting kids, or about padding budgets and enriching private contractors?

The Albany Speed Camera Program: A Quick Breakdown

Launch & Coverage: The City of Albany signed a long-term contract with Sensys Gatso, a multinational traffic enforcement company, to install and operate cameras in up to 35 locations across 20 school zones. The deal runs through 2029.

Ticket Price: Each violation costs drivers $50 per citation.

Revenue Generated: Reports show between $5.25M and $6.7M in total fines issued to date.

Tickets Issued: Roughly 107,000–189,000 violations recorded, depending on source and timeframe.

Who Gets the Money? The Split Between Albany and Sensys Gatso

Here’s where the controversy deepens:

For every $50 ticket:

Albany, NY keeps just $17 (about one-third).

Sensys Gatso collects the other $33—around 60–66% of the revenue.

The company also tacks on a $4 processing fee per payment.

That means that while Albany residents see millions of dollars leaving their wallets, a majority of the funds flow to a private, for-profit vendor headquartered outside New York State.

Budget Goals vs. Reality

The City of Albany budgeted $6 million in expected revenue for 2025 from the speed cameras, roughly 2.7% of the city’s total operating budget. But independent analysts note:

Collection gaps: Only around two-thirds of tickets are paid in full.

Seasonal dips: Citations fall significantly during summer months when schools are out.

Projected shortfall: Estimates suggest Albany may collect 30–40% less than budgeted.

In short: while the cameras have generated millions, Albany may not actually realize the windfall it expected.

Safety Gains: Real or Overstated?

Officials argue that speed cameras aren’t just about money—they save lives. Data supports some of these claims:

After Albany reduced its citywide speed limit to 25 mph and introduced cameras, traffic crashes dropped across multiple corridors.

Columbia University and the New York State DOT have published findings that automated enforcement significantly reduces speeding and pedestrian injuries near schools.

Still, critics ask: if safety is the primary goal, why is the system designed so heavily in favor of a private company’s profit margins?

The Bigger Picture: Albany, New York vs. Other Cities

Albany is not alone. Cities across the U.S.—from New York City to Chicago to Washington, D.C.—use speed cameras. But the revenue splits vary widely:

New York City keeps a much larger share of ticket revenue, with contractors simply providing equipment and maintenance.

Chicago has seen years of criticism for overreliance on fines, with disproportionate impact on low-income drivers.

Albany’s model—where a private vendor takes the majority cut—has been singled out by some residents as especially lopsided.

Is $6.7 Million Absurd, Not Enough, or Justified?

Absurd? Many Albany residents think so, pointing out that the city is losing millions to a private vendor when local schools, infrastructure, and social programs could use that funding.

Not enough? From a budget perspective, the program is underperforming its $6M projection, meaning Albany may need to make up shortfalls elsewhere.

Justified? Supporters argue that even if the money flow isn’t perfect, the safety benefits near schools in Albany, New York outweigh the drawbacks.

Quick Facts: Albany, NY Speed Cameras

Aspect Details

Tickets Issued ~107,000–189,000

Fines Generated $5.25M–$6.7M

City of Albany Share $17 per ticket (~34–39%)

Sensys Gatso Share $30+ per ticket (~60–66%) + $4 processing fee

Budget Target $6M annually

Outcome Likely 30–40% shortfall

Safety Impact Fewer crashes, lower speeds near schools

Final Thoughts

Albany, New York’s school-zone speed cameras highlight a national dilemma: how do we balance public safety with fair financial practices?

If protecting children is the priority, the program can be defended. But if the majority of revenue flows out of Albany and into corporate hands, residents are right to question whether the system is serving the community—or serving shareholders.

About the Author

DJ for Change is dedicated to uncovering truth, questioning power, and amplifying community voices in New York’s Capital District. Using AI tools alongside grassroots insight, DJ brings clarity to complex issues that affect everyday people.