Council Member Robert Holden is calling on the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to remove the east bus lane enforcement camera located on Woodhaven Boulevard at Wetherole Street, heading north toward Queens Boulevard. Holden’s office has received a flood of complaints from constituents who say the camera is unfairly issuing violations and creating hazardous driving conditions.
The problematic stretch of roadway forces drivers to either remain in the bus lane for more than the legally allowed 200 feet—thereby risking a violation—or to dangerously swerve into traffic in an attempt to exit the lane in time. During peak hours, heavy congestion makes it even more difficult for drivers to maneuver safely, increasing the risk of collisions.
“This particular bus lane camera is forcing my constituents to do one of two things: accept a violation to avoid an accident, or accept an accident to avoid a violation,” said Holden. “That’s not proper planning. I ask that the DOT remove or move this camera to a more suitable location. The violations people are receiving are not from scofflaws who couldn’t care less about traffic rules — they’re from ordinary drivers trying to stay safe. This is a money-generating scheme that puts people in danger.”
Council Member Holden is urging the DOT to immediately review the placement of the camera and conduct a traffic safety assessment of this stretch of Woodhaven Boulevard. He emphasized that public safety—not revenue collection—should be the guiding principle of traffic enforcement.
