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Read the press release here.

DOT Wants Speed Cameras Installed Near Schools

By  Stefanie DeAngelo and Dennis  Zhou | March 18, 2013 5:50pm 

 Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan credited the improvement to recent traffic improvements.
Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan credited the improvement to recent traffic improvements.
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DNAinfo/Jill Colvin

NEW YORK CITY — City officials want to install cameras near schools to catch speeders as the number of traffic deaths in the five boroughs is on the rise.

The Department of Transportation released statistics Monday showing there were 274 traffic-related deaths in 2012, up from 245 in 2011. That's the highest number of fatalities since there were 291 in 2008, city statistics showed.

Speeding contributed to 30 percent of all traffic fatalities, the DOT said.

DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Kahn said school zones were particularly problematic for speeding, and that the city should crack down.

The DOT plans to implement nine Neighborhood Slow Zones, with speed limits capped at 20 mph, in 2013. They also want to install more cameras to catch speeders.

“We know we have to do more. The streets around our city’s schools are the real speed traps, and we can’t play it safe when it comes to doing everything we can to protect New Yorkers on our streets—and especially seniors and school kids,” Sadik-Kahn said.

Pedestrian fatalities were up from 141 in 2011 to 148 this year, as were motorcycle deaths, 32 in 2011 and 35 in 2012, and accidents were the driver was killed, 50 in 2011 and 73 last year, according to city data.

“Just as red light cameras reduced infractions at intersections where they were installed, we anticipate that speed cameras will result in greater compliance with posted speed limits,” said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.