Long Beach has launched its new automated speed camera program in an effort to slow drivers down and reduce serious and fatal crashes.
The five-year pilot program includes 18 speed safety devices at locations with a history of severe crashes, speeding, street racing and in some school zones.
The cameras are expected to begin a 60-day warning period in October. Drivers traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit will receive a warning during that period, but no fine.
Citations are expected to begin in December.
The cameras will photograph only the rear license plate of a vehicle. They will not photograph drivers’ faces, use facial recognition or operate as police surveillance cameras. The city says the information will be kept by Public Works and not shared with law enforcement agencies.
The program comes after Long Beach recorded 53 fatal traffic collisions last year, its deadliest year on the roadways in more than a decade.
But will the cameras actually slow people down?
Long Beach previously used automated photo cameras at some intersections, but those cameras were eventually removed. That raises questions about whether the new speed cameras will have a lasting effect.
Should Long Beach have more LBPD officers conducting traffic enforcement and pulling speeding drivers over, or should the city rely more on what some residents call “RoboCop” cameras that automatically issue tickets?
The city says half of the citation revenue will help pay for the program. The other half will fund traffic-calming projects such as speed humps, crosswalks and other safety improvements.
The five-year pilot will ultimately provide Long Beach with data on whether automated enforcement can reduce speeding and deadly crashes.
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