Speed Cameras Coming To San Francisco, 2 Other Bay Area Cities

SACRAMENTO, CA — Speed cameras are coming to six California cities, including three in the Bay Area.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 645 last week, authorizing the camera pilot program for Los Angeles, San Francisco, Long Beach, Glendale, Oakland and San Jose through 2031.

Speed is the No. 1 cause of severe and fatal crashes in California, according to bill cosponsor Walk San Francisco, which noted more than 1,000 Californians have died annually in speed-related collisions for the past five years.

“For too long, we have referred to most of these deaths as ‘accidents’ to sweep under the rug the uncomfortable truth: these deaths are preventable,” bill author and Assemblymember Laura Friedman, D-Burbank, said in a news release last month. “Slowing cars down is imperative to saving lives.”

The bill targets areas with a high rate of crashes, frequented by street racers and in school zones, according to Friedman. Fines start at $50 for drivers going 11 mph above the limit and increase for faster speeds, according to Walk San Francisco, which noted the camera tickets would not affect a driver’s record. The bill also bans facial recognition, with only license plate data collected.

Participating cities must launch a public information campaign about the cameras at least 30 days in advance and are required to give drivers warning notices for violations in the program’s first 60 days.

California joins 21 states that allow speed cameras, according to Walk San Francisco.

“Dangerous speeding hurts and kills people every day in California, and every possible action must be taken to prevent these senseless tragedies,” the organization’s executive director, Jodie Medeiros, said in a news release. “Finally, cities like San Francisco can start using a proven tool to protect communities from deadly speeding.”

In the Los Angeles area, the leading cause of death for people under 30 is vehicle crashes, according to Friedman, citing the county health department.

In addition to Walk San Francisco, the speed camera bill was cosponsored by Streets Are For Everyone and Streets For All, Streets Are For Everyone said in a blog post.