OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — The warning period is almost over. On Sunday, 35 speed safety cameras in 18 locations throughout Oakland will begin to cite speeding drivers.
“I did get two warnings,” said Kenya Brooks, Oakland resident.
Kenya Brooks said she didn’t even know the cameras were there and was warned twice. She thought she was driving with the flow of traffic.
“Have you changed the way you drive here after getting those two warnings?” ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter Luz Pena asked.
“Of course. I drive extra careful. I make sure I’m at the speed limit or under the speed limit but then I’m driving so slow,” said Brooks.
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The cameras are a result of Assembly Bill 645 which allows six cities in California to pilot Speed Safety Cameras. Oakland is one of the three Bay Area cities selected for this program. Oakland Supervisor Zac Unger said these cameras were necessary.
“We have an epidemic of traffic violence in Oakland,” said Supervisor Unger and added, “Between 30 and 40 traffic fatalities every year. Which is about half as many homicides as we have had.”
City data shows 140,445 warnings were given during the grace period.
“Were you shocked to see the numbers?” Pena asked.
“The numbers are enormous- it really shows the depth of our problem here in Oakland with speeding. I hope that people only need to be ticketed once before they realize they need to change their behavior and keep our kids safe,” said Supervisor Unger.
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“I don’t drive fast to begin with anyway but that really put a lot of things into perspective for me,” said Hannah Yohannes, Oakland resident.
Theo Polk said he was hit by a driver around the area and is glad the cameras will begin to cite.
“I have to be prepared. Be ready to stop,” said Polk.
Citations will range between $50 to $500 based on speed violation. If the city would have cited all 140,000 plus drivers who got warnings, that would have equaled at least $7 million.
“Did you see gas prices? The gas is $5 almost $7 a gallon so how are going to pay $50-$500. It’s hard out here,” said Brooks.
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