Los Angeles will start installing speed cameras across the city in the coming months as part of the California government’s street safety initiative.
After a state law authorized Los Angeles and other cities to implement the program in 2024, the city council Tuesday approved the LA Department of Transportation to implement the pilot program.
City workers are expected to begin the installation of some 125 cameras and test the speed cameras between April and July.
Once the installation work is complete, the city will conduct a 60-day public information campaign to warn drivers about the cameras between July and September.
“Speeding, as we know, is one of the most serious threats on our streets. Cars are the leading causes of death for children in Los Angeles and the rest of the country,” Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky said. “This program gives us a tool to prevent those deaths and protect people in every neighborhood.”
The LAPD’s data showed 290 people died in traffic incidents in the city last year.
The department is expected to provide warnings for first-time violations throughout the duration of the pilot program.
Each city district will receive eight cameras but districts 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 will get an additional camera.
In October 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 645, authored by Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, D-Burbank. The law went into effect Jan. 1, 2024.
The bill authorized Los Angeles, Long Beach and Glendale, as well as San Jose, Oakland and the city and county of San Francisco to operate the speed safety system pilot program through Jan. 1, 2032, unless extended by
legislation. A final evaluation report is required on or before March 1 of the final year of the pilot.
City News Service contributed to this report.