Since May 2023 when the AWZSE program was launched, more than 420,000 Notices of Liability have been issued statewide, with close to 78,400 repeat offenders. In locations where the cameras have been present more than once, fewer Notices of Liability are being issued, indicating that people are slowing down when cameras are present.

In addition to her proposal to make the AWSZE permanent, the governor’s Budget also includes language to enhance penalties for assaults against transportation workers, extending protections similar to those provided to many MTA and retail workers. These actions will improve safety for both workers and drivers. Just last year, while setting up a work zone on a Long Island Expressway ramp in Syosset, a car veered around Department of Transportation trucks, which were carrying attenuators. The driver got out of his car and accosted the highway maintenance crew for obstructing his trip up the ramp. The governor’s proposal would hold bad actors accountable and deter actions like this in the future, state officials noted.

“The men and women in labor who have dedicated themselves to improving our roads and bridges risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers,” Gov. Hochul said. “By permanently driving down speeds in work zones and enhancing penalties for assaults against them, I am working to strengthen our laws to ensure these dedicated workers can make it home safe themselves.”

Executive Director John Cooney, Jr., of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc., (CIC) added his multi-employer trade association supports to the governor’s ongoing initiative. “The CIC thanks Gov. Hochul for including in her Executive Budget the inclusion of both the expansion of automated work zone camera program and transportation worker protection from harassment and assault. We thank NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Theresa Dominguez and New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare for standing up for transportation worker safety and highlighting the need for these two important budget worker safety items.”

Mr. Cooney continued, “The construction and transportation industries deserve to have all workers involved to have a safe and protected work environment. The proposals for the expanded work zone camera program and expanded transportation worker harassment and assault protections deserve to be a final product of this year’s New York State Budget.”

In addition to executives with NYSDOT, the New York State Thruway Authority, the New York State Bridge Authority and the MTA, a significant number of major construction trades and organized labor organizations have also voiced their support for the work zone safety measures.

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, “Keeping highway workers safe is a priority for the union movement. These workers endure hazardous conditions while performing their jobs for our safety; we must protect them. We thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to addressing enforcement and more aggressive repercussions for repeat violators who endanger the workforce that keeps our roads safe and our infrastructure running smoothly.”

New York State Building and Construction Trades Council President Gary LaBarbera said, “It is well-known that construction sites are inherently dangerous and the added hazards and less-controllable variants of roadways and highspeed traffic only increase the risks for highway workers. This is why we must continue to push forward key legislation that encourages drivers to proceed with more caution and mindfulness around highway work areas and holds them accountable when they act recklessly. We applaud Governor Hochul for her ongoing leadership and action on this important issue. Every hard-working New Yorker, including our brave tradesmen and tradeswomen working on our roadways, deserve to return home safely to their families at the end of each shift.”

Published: March 25, 2025.