Gov. David A. Paterson has signed legislation allowing Nassau and Suffolk counties to install cameras to catch red-light violators at dangerous intersections in each county, officials said Tuesday.

The bills would raise about $3 million to $4 million this year in Nassau County. Suffolk officials said they don’t anticipate any revenue this year but expect to bring in $3 million to $4 million next year.

“I’m gratified Governor Paterson has signed this into law. This is long overdue,” said Assemb. Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove), a sponsor.

“This long and hard-fought battle will save lives and protect the safety of the people of Nassau County,” he said.

Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi thanked Lavine and other legislators for their support and asked them to continue to push for a cigarette tax and a surcharge on traffic tickets to help the county balance its budget.

“I am pleased that the governor has signed the bill. . . . It will make our roads safer, particularly at junctions where we have experienced a high volume of accidents,” Suozzi said in a news release. “The measure will also allow us to generate revenue for the county without raising property taxes.”

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said in a statement, “The passage of such legislation is long overdue and should enhance the safety of our most troublesome intersections.”

The red-light legislation would allow the counties to install cameras at 50 dangerous intersections of county roads, but officials said the final locations will depend on what consultants find as they survey each site.

The law calls for $50 penalties for violators.

Source: Newsday