City to Test Cameras Against Speeding

In an attempt to slow down reckless drivers, the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved an 18-month pilot program to place automated cameras at eight of the city’s most dangerous intersections.

The cameras, which are expected to be installed within the next few months, will be programmed to photograph the faces of drivers and license plates of vehicles that run red lights.

City officials said motorists caught speeding through the intersections would receive a $104 ticket through the mail. Signs would be posted warning drivers that cameras are monitoring the intersection.

“Running red lights is one of the most dangerous traffic violations. More and more serious accidents are occurring in our city because of people doing this,” said Councilwoman Laura Chick, who pushed for the test program. “This is potentially a very cost-effective way to reduce traffic accidents and loss of life on our streets.”

Although the eight intersections have not yet been identified, four are expected to be in the San Fernando Valley and four will be in the downtown area, said Tom Swire, a senior engineer with the city’s Department of Transportation. Swire said the city will look at recent records to determine which intersections have the highest levels of accidents and violations.

The city will spend approximately $175,000 to install the camera equipment and an additional $125,000 to pay a private contractor to service the cameras and process the violations during the 18-month test period. The council will decide later whether to expand the program, officials said.

Swire said a similar program in San Francisco led to a 42% reduction in speeding violations at test sites.

“Our bottom line is safety. That’s what this is for,” he said.