A tough bill on ATM safety gains in N.Y.

A bill mandating the nation's strictest ATM security regulations has completed the first key steps toward becoming law.

After a six-month battle with bankers, the New York City Council's Public Safety Committee on Tuesday approved legislation that would require bankers to install full-motion video cameras, sophisticated card-reading devices for entry into ATM enclosures, and other security equipment at every cash-machine site in New York City.

The provisions and others within the bill are aimed at reducing the incidence of crime at New York's more than 2,400 ATMs.

Vote Expected Soon

To become law, the bill must now be passed by a vote of the City Council and then approved by Mayor David N. Dinkins. The council's vote is expected at the end of this month. Many of the regulations would take effect early in 1993.

Bankers were disappointed with the approval of the bill and vowed to continue to fight for changes in some of its more stringent provisions.

"The opportunity for some amendment is still there," said Michael P. Smith, an executive vice president with the New York State Bankers Association.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER