Oakland Launches Automated Speed Safety Cameras in Bid to Tackle Traffic Violence
The City of Oakland has kickstarted a new automated speed safety camera program, with the aim of reducing speeding and saving lives. The initiative, which began on Wednesday, starts with an 18-location rollout across the city. For now, drivers will receive warnings if their speeds exceed 11mph.
Mayor Barbara Lee emphasized the importance of this measure, stating that "Traffic Safety is public safety" and highlighting the need to address the high number of traffic-related fatalities in Oakland. The program was launched as part of a seven-city California pilot project, with San Francisco already operating its own speed camera system.
The cameras will be deployed at select locations throughout Oakland and are expected to issue tickets only after a 60-day warning period expires. Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit will face fines ranging from $50 to $500, depending on the severity of their speeding offense. The city has pledged that low-income residents and those receiving public assistance like SNAP benefits will receive more lenient penalties.
According to Josh Rowan, Director of Oakland's Department of Transportation, the primary goal is not revenue generation but rather behavioral change: "Speeding is a choice; if you don't want the camera to send you a ticket, drive the speed limit."
The city has assured that the cameras will only capture license plate images and refrain from capturing videos or photos of drivers' faces. The data collected by the cameras is also said to be confidential and will not be shared unless required by law.
Verra Mobility, the vendor operating the program, emphasized that these are not surveillance cameras but rather tools designed to slow speeding vehicles and reduce traffic-related fatalities.
The City of Oakland has kickstarted a new automated speed safety camera program, with the aim of reducing speeding and saving lives. The initiative, which began on Wednesday, starts with an 18-location rollout across the city. For now, drivers will receive warnings if their speeds exceed 11mph.
Mayor Barbara Lee emphasized the importance of this measure, stating that "Traffic Safety is public safety" and highlighting the need to address the high number of traffic-related fatalities in Oakland. The program was launched as part of a seven-city California pilot project, with San Francisco already operating its own speed camera system.
The cameras will be deployed at select locations throughout Oakland and are expected to issue tickets only after a 60-day warning period expires. Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit will face fines ranging from $50 to $500, depending on the severity of their speeding offense. The city has pledged that low-income residents and those receiving public assistance like SNAP benefits will receive more lenient penalties.
According to Josh Rowan, Director of Oakland's Department of Transportation, the primary goal is not revenue generation but rather behavioral change: "Speeding is a choice; if you don't want the camera to send you a ticket, drive the speed limit."
The city has assured that the cameras will only capture license plate images and refrain from capturing videos or photos of drivers' faces. The data collected by the cameras is also said to be confidential and will not be shared unless required by law.
Verra Mobility, the vendor operating the program, emphasized that these are not surveillance cameras but rather tools designed to slow speeding vehicles and reduce traffic-related fatalities.