Speed Safety Cameras proposed for Bay Area roadways

Speed cameras are extremely controversial.

And they could be coming to the Bay Area.

According to NBC Bay Area, a new proposal would place “Speed Safety Cameras” along certain highways.

Assembly Bill 2336 says they would capture license plate images, and issue automated citations.

Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, one of the authors of the bill, explains that the bill is not meant to be a punishment or generate revenue:

“It’s meant to slow down cars in areas that are already dangerous.”

Assemblyman Phil Ting says drivers who are aware of the traffic cameras will adjust their behavior:

“They are much more cognizant of their speed, they’re careful about how they are driving,”

Elsewhere, these programs have been abused.

Cameras placed in sneaky locations around Chicago generated $11 million in fines for people driving 6mph over the limit in 2 months. These very same cameras were installed disproportionately in minority neighborhoods.

There’s also the sneakily placed speed camera in Brooklyn that generated $77,550 in speeding tickets in a single day.

Needless today, speed cameras are controversial.

The only areas under consideration are the “highest injury streets, school zones, and on streets with a history of speed contests.”

Ting explained that 70% of San Francisco’s fatalities occur on 12% of the streets.

Under the new bill in California, fines will vary based on individual offenders’ income.

A Bay Area lawmaker wants to give communities one more way to crack down on speeding and sideshows with the use of “speed safety cameras” in problem areas. https://t.co/4RCcKreBsS pic.twitter.com/f77E8vickJ

— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) February 21, 2022

Tickets will start at $50 for going 11mph over the limit, and after paying, they will (supposedly) delete all license plate data within 60 days.

If you’re under the poverty line or complete community service, then that cost will go down.

Funds generated will go towards traffic and safety improvements:

“The money generated from these citations needs to go back into traffic calming measures in these particular areas.”

SPEED CAMERAS PROPOSED: If Assembly Bill 2336 passes, San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland may get speeding cameras. KRON4’s Will Tran reports. https://t.co/ya8b1IZJNM

— KRON4 News (@kron4news) February 18, 2022