In a move that’s bound to wipe the smiles off California drivers’ faces, the Golden State is gearing up to introduce speed cameras at six bustling intersections, marking a significant shift in the state’s traffic enforcement landscape. This bold move comes on the heels of Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature on a groundbreaking law authorizing the state’s inaugural speed-camera program.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Long Beach, Glendale, and San Jose are the chosen cities where these cameras are set to make their debut, with the primary aim of combatting the alarming surge in pedestrian fatalities within the state.
Damian Kevitt, the Executive Director of Streets Are For Everyone, succinctly highlights the gravity of the situation, saying, “Speed is by far the largest reason why people are being hit and killed on our streets in Los Angeles.” This sobering reality is one that resonates with many who have witnessed the tragic headlines and news reports.
Contrary to the notion of these cameras as a ‘gotcha’ tactic, Kevitt emphasizes their role as a deterrent and a means of delivering a critical message to motorists: “Hey, people, slow down.” The program calls for clear signage ahead of camera-equipped zones, making it abundantly clear that exceeding the speed limit will result in a ticket.
However, it’s important to note that community consent is a prerequisite for camera installation in areas near schools and locations notorious for racing and high volumes of traffic accidents. In a state where previous attempts to introduce speed cameras have stumbled over a dozen times, community involvement is paramount.
Under this program, the cameras will automatically issue tickets to drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 11 mph. A first offense will result in a warning, but a second violation will incur a $50 fine. For low-income drivers, the fine is reduced to $25, a crucial provision ensuring that financial hardship is not exacerbated by traffic infractions.
This is not the first time that Los Angeles has ventured into the realm of traffic cameras. Back in 2004, the city embarked on a mission to curb red-light runners by installing cameras in high-traffic areas. However, the experiment came to an unceremonious end in 2011, with city traffic engineers citing unintended consequences.
One of the unintended outcomes was a spike in rear-end accidents as drivers slammed on their brakes upon seeing a yellow light at intersections. Moreover, the logistical challenge of tracking down non-compliant drivers who didn’t pay or appear in court for their violations plagued the program. Some motorists also voiced concerns about tickets being sent to registered vehicle owners rather than the actual drivers.
Legislators have grappled with this issue for years, with multiple attempts to pass similar bills falling flat. The primary objection has been the invasion of drivers’ privacy, a concern that has weighed heavily on the minds of many Californians.
This time around, lawmakers have revised the bill, introducing an option for those with limited incomes to perform community service in lieu of fines, a move aimed at addressing the issue of affordability for some drivers. It’s a delicate balance between enforcing traffic laws and ensuring that citizens, especially those less fortunate, are not unduly burdened.
California may be a latecomer to the speed-camera party, but it’s by no means alone in its quest to make its roads safer. Cities like Chicago and New York have already adopted similar programs, and the results are encouraging. Officials in these cities report a substantial 73% reduction in speeding incidents thanks to their camera programs.
As the Golden State gears up for this pivotal change in its traffic enforcement landscape, the debate over privacy, equity, and road safety rages on. The hope is that these cameras will indeed act as a powerful deterrent, prompting Californians to think twice before pushing the pedal to the metal.
