Drivers who speed on streets in three Southern California cities soon may find a ticket waiting for them in their mailbox generated by a roadside speed camera.
Over the weekend Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 645 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), making speed cameras legal for the first time in the state. Under a six-city pilot program, the cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Glendale can install cameras that generate fines starting at $50 for speeding 11 miles above the posted speed limit, $100 for 16 to 25 mph above, and $500 for going 100 mph or greater. San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland also are included in the pilot program.
Only those six cities can install roadway devices that snap photos of a vehicle’s license plate and mail a ticket to the registered owner for violating the speed limit — without ever being pulled over by a cop. Starting in January, the six California cities join 205 other communities in 21 states, including New York City and Chicago, in allowing speed cameras in high-accident corridors, street racing locations and school zones.
Friedman tried three times to pass similar bills and failed; the signing of AB 645 late Friday by Newsom was the eighth attempt since 2005 to bring speed cameras to California.
“It feels really good,” said Friedman on Monday, Oct. 16. “It is a relief after working on this policy for so long.”
The previous attempts were stopped by opposition from civil rights groups who said they would invade the privacy of drivers. Some argued that automated ticket cameras would disproportionately increase the burden on people of color and low-income neighborhoods. Often these areas, such as South Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, have wide streets designed for speed, not safety.
To combat opposition, Friedman added new provisions. The law allows fines to be reduced by up to 80% for low-income drivers. A judge can allow community service in lieu of cash payments, she said.
Also, Friedman and a coalition…
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