Penfield chosen for Monroe County pilot program aimed at improving how traffic cases are handled in local court

Penfield, New York – Efforts to strengthen road safety in Penfield, New York are taking a new turn as local leaders move forward with a pilot program designed to improve how traffic violations are handled in court. The initiative, announced by town officials this week, aims to streamline the legal process for vehicle and traffic offenses while reinforcing the community’s broader commitment to safer streets.

Town Supervisor Jeff Berry said the program reflects a key focus of his administration since he took office earlier this year. Addressing traffic and pedestrian safety, he emphasized that improving the way cases move through the court system is an important piece of the puzzle.

“Traffic and pedestrian safety have been a priority of mine since I took office in January. With that in mind, I am pleased to announce that the Town of Penfield has been selected to participate in a pilot program created by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office to improve vehicle and traffic prosecutions in Penfield Town Court.”

The initiative comes through cooperation with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, which has developed the pilot program to help municipalities address traffic-related cases more effectively. As part of the plan, Brian Green has assigned a prosecutor specifically to work with local courts handling these matters.

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According to the announcement, attorney Peter Lewis will take on the role of Assistant District Attorney and will be responsible for vehicle and traffic cases in both Penfield and nearby Brighton, New York. His presence in the courts is expected to bring additional focus to cases that often compete with many other legal matters for time and resources.

The addition of a dedicated prosecutor, Berry said, is expected to make a meaningful difference in how traffic cases move through the system. Rather than delays or limited attention, the goal is to ensure each case receives proper review and resolution.

“The assignment of Mr. Lewis, who will have the title of Assistant District Attorney, brings a much-needed resource dedicated to handling vehicle and traffic offenses. This will not only allow cases to be handled more efficiently, but will also ensure these offenses receive the time and attention they deserve, helping deter future traffic violations in our community.”

Lewis brings a lengthy background in prosecution. He previously served as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in Monroe County and has spent years handling cases across the region. His experience, town officials say, will help strengthen the effectiveness of the program as it begins to take shape. He is expected to start in the new role sometime this spring.

Berry also highlighted the partnerships that helped bring the initiative to Penfield.

“I want to thank Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green for allowing us to pilot this program, and Penfield Town Board member Jon Getz for his work in helping make this possible.”

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While the pilot program focuses on court proceedings, town officials say it is only one part of a broader push to address traffic safety concerns. Residents may have already noticed more patrol vehicles and traffic stops in recent weeks. That increased enforcement is being carried out by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Berry expressed appreciation for the department’s role in strengthening safety efforts throughout the community.

“Along with the new program, if you have been on the roads around Town recently, you have likely noticed an increased presence of Monroe County Sheriff’s Office traffic enforcement in Penfield. I am thankful to Sheriff Todd Baxter and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office for their additional enforcement efforts. Coupled with the Town Court pilot program, these actions are aimed at making our roads safer and ensuring more meaningful consequences for unsafe driving in Penfield.”

Local leaders hope that combining stronger enforcement with more efficient court handling will lead to lasting improvements. By addressing violations quickly and consistently, the town believes it can discourage reckless behavior and reinforce safer habits behind the wheel.

“I look forward to continuing to work together with our partners to make Penfield safer for everyone.”