AB 645: Pilot for Speed Cameras Going to California State Assembly

Post Date:05/09/2023 1:00 PM

In San José, from 2018 and 2022, speeding was a contributing factor to 33% of traffic fatalities. And according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), speeding is a factor in 31% of nationwide traffic fatalities. To combat speeding on streets across California, including San José, Assembly Bill 645, or AB 645, is currently being considered at the California State Assembly, with a crucial committee hearing in mid-May. This bill was introduced by Assembly Transportation Chair Laura Friedman, with co-authors Assemblymembers Alex Lee and Marc Berman.

AB 645 would authorize a pilot in San José, as well as fellow Bay Area cities San Francisco and Oakland, to install speed cameras on Priority Safety Corridors, or PSCs. PSCs are streets that experience the highest number of fatal and severe traffic crashes. In addition to PSCs, speed cameras would be installed in school zones, high injury streets, and streets with a history of speed racing and side shows. The pilot that AB 645 would bring into effect would last until 2032.

How effective are speed cameras?

Speed safety systems have been long identified as an effective and immediate measure to slow excessive speeding. According to the Federal Highway Administration, speed cameras can reduce crashes on urban streets by 54%. For example, in New York City, intersections with speed cameras reduced speeding by an average of 73%, as of December 2021. Plus, speeding in school zones were reduced up to 63%.

How would the City pay for the pilot camera system?

The recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill authorizes states to provide funding for speed cameras. Fees and fines collected from the system will also contribute to cost recovery. While most speeding tickets cost hundreds of dollars, fines for a speed camera citation would start at $50. But if a driver is unable to pay due to economic hardship, the bill includes an option for a fine reduction. Or one could opt for community service instead of paying a fine. And a citation would not result in a criminal violation.

The revenues from citations would cover the costs of other traffic calming measures such as speed feedback signs. The goal is not to collect fines, but, rather, to change behavior.

Will speed cameras infringe on my privacy?

The system would be heavily regulated under the city's Digital Privacy program. Cameras would capture images of the rear license plate of vehicles traveling 11 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit. Speed camera images would only be collected by the City and not be shared with any outside parties. If a violation were issued, images would be kept for 60 days. Otherwise, the City would delete images after five days.

The City Council supports this legislation. DOT has over 200 safety projects planned for 2023, but this pilot can help address speeding on San José streets sooner than major infrastructure overhauls can take place. Follow our social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with updates about AB 645.