Speed Safety Cameras to pilot in Los Angeles after new law signed
Speed cameras are slated for potential installation in six cities, among them San Francisco and Los Angeles, following the approval of a trial enforcement system by Governor Gavin Newsom through recent legislation.
The enactment of this new state law aligns with the backdrop of rising pedestrian fatalities in California and the nation at large, primarily attributed to increasingly reckless driving, the prevalence of larger vehicles, and a lack of robust traffic enforcement.
Over the past six years, lawmakers and advocates for pedestrian safety had made multiple unsuccessful attempts to pass a speed camera law through the State Legislature. Opposition to the legislation stemmed from concerns about potential infringements on driver privacy and the possibility of disproportionately burdening people of color residing in low-income neighborhoods with citations.
This year, the proposal underwent revisions to address these concerns, which included provisions allowing individuals with limited financial means to perform community service as an alternative to paying fines. These amendments allowed the bill to pass the Legislature for the first time in September. Additionally, the cities of Long Beach, Glendale, Oakland, and San Jose will have the opportunity to implement speed cameras.
The San Francisco Police Department has conveyed that they are facing understaffing challenges, with the administrative workload associated with each issued ticket becoming increasingly burdensome. Nonetheless, many pedestrian advocacy groups express concerns that drivers lack a significant deterrent to slow down if the risk of being caught is minimal.
