Recently, the cities of Albany, Cohoes, and Schenectady lowered their city-wide speed limits to 25 mph. The speed limit was previously 30 mph. The new speed limit went into effect in Albany and Cohoes on January 1, 2025, and in Schenectady on March 1, 2025. The initiatives aim to decrease traffic accidents and improve pedestrian safety. The City of Saratoga Springs is also considering reducing its city-wide speed limit to 25 mph, with proposed legislation to implement the reduced limit after the 2025 track season.
According to recent data shared by city officials in Albany, traffic crashes dropped by 21 percent during the first two months of 2025 compared to the same time last year. Notably, crashes with injuries were down 25 percent, and pedestrian-related incidents declined by nearly 30 percent.
Albany reduced its speed limit as part of the City’s “Safe Streets for All” campaign, which also included implementation of a School Speed Photo Enforcement Program. Automated cameras are now installed at 20 school speed zones throughout the city. Similar to red light speed enforcement cameras, motorists who are photographed exceeding the school zone speed limit are ticketed for a violation that carried a $50 civil penalty that does not get reported to DMV or insurance companies. Enforcement of both the new 25 mph speed limit and school zone cameras began with an educational approach and warnings before moving into full enforcement.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan emphasized that the goal isn’t punishment—it’s prevention. “This is about saving lives,” she said, pointing to national data that shows the likelihood of serious injury or death increases sharply at speeds over 25 mph.
The new city speed limits and automated school zone camera enforcement is not without controversy. Many people on social media have expressed frustration with concerns about lack of notice, unexpected camera tickets, longer commute times, and criticism that the new traffic enforcement measures are meant to increase ticket revenue. Others agree that the tradeoff is worth it if the roads are now safety for everyone, especially pedestrians, cyclists, and children walking to school.
Want to dig deeper? Read the full article here: Times Union – Albany Sees Traffic Crashes Drop
