No Green Light Yet from DOT for Red Light Cameras on Route 17

The borough will not get the green light in the immediate future for a red light camera program, a traffic monitoring system, for three intersections on Route 17, according to a letter from the state DOT.

The letter, from Anthony J. Attanasio, assistant commissioner of government and community relations for the state DOT, was read into the record during the Tuesday night council meeting.

Borough officials had asked to be reconsidered for the program, citing safety concerns at the intersections of Williams Street, Franklin Street and the jug-handle at the White Castle on Route 17. Police officials said the program was needed because the intersections are the site of numerous accidents.

Borough officials have said previously that they were promised the red light cameras from the DOT more than a year ago and then learned the borough had been placed on a waiting list.

The letter explained that the Red Light Running Pilot Program has completed its commitment to 25 authorized municipalities and “should there be a program opening, the highest-ranked municipality will receive authorization to move forward.”

Mayor Rose Heck said borough officials had been told previously by the DOT that Heights was number 33 and then were told the borough had moved up closer to the cut off of 25.

Heck and Police Chief Michael Colaneri . The traffic lights on Route 17 in Hasbrouck Heights are the first drivers meet while travelling south on the highway from New York state.

Councilman David Gonzalez asked if the borough had access to the list of 25 municipalities that have received the red light cameras thus far. Mayor Heck said the borough can put in for a request to obtain that list.