San José Mayor Champions Speed Safety Cameras to Save Lives
City, community members urges support AB645, calls for drivers to slow down and reduce traffic accidents and fatalities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2023
Media Contact:
Tasha Dean, Chief Communications Officer, Office of Mayor Matt Mahan, [email protected]
SAN JOSÉ, CA - Last year, San José had its deadliest year for traffic deaths, with 65 fatalities in 2022–largely surpassing the number of recorded homicides. Today, San José Mayor Matt Mahan, alongside the Vision Zero Task Force Chair, Councilmember Pam Foley (D9) and Vice Chair, Councilmember Bien Doan (D7), and City Councilmembers Omar Torres (D3), San José Police Chief Anthony Mata, and members of the community, called for support for Assembly Bill 645 (AB645), urging drivers to slow down and save lives.
“Traffic deaths are outpacing homicides in San José. While speeding may save a minute, following our traffic laws can save a life,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “It’s past time we use speed safety cameras, which have been deployed effectively around the world for years, to ensure drivers put their neighbors’ lives first.”
If passed, AB645 would authorize a pilot program in San José, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Long Beach, Oakland, and Glendale, to install speed safety cameras on Priority Safety Corridors -streets that experience the highest number of fatalities and serious injuries - school zones, and streets with a history of speed racing and side shows, until 2032. This monumental traffic safety legislation was first introduced by Assembly Transportation Chair Laura Friedman, and co-authors include Assemblymembers Alex Lee and Marc Berman.
“Speed is a factor in 31% of all fatal traffic accidents. There’s so much more that we can do to make our roads safer for everyone, and AB645 is a strong first step,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Burbank) and Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee. “Around the world, speed safety cameras have been proven to reduce fatalities on roadways by as much as 71%. It’s time for California to implement proven strategies to save lives by authorizing San José and other cities to use speed safety cameras while directing the revenue towards building safer streets.”
According to the Federal Highway Administration, speed cameras can reduce crashes on urban streets by 54%, and reduce speeding in school zones by 63%. For example, in New York City, intersections with speed cameras reduced speeding by an average of 73%, as of December 2021. In San José, from 2018 and 2022, speeding was a contributing factor to 33% of traffic fatalities. Overall, the reduction in speeding can save countless lives.
If AB645 passes, San José will purchase 33 cameras. Prior to installation, there will be extensive community involvement to help select locations to place the speed safety cameras
“We are working diligently with our Mayor and Council to increase our Department staffing, and as we grow, our Traffic Enforcement Unit will also grow,” said Chief of Police Anthony Mata. “This Speed Safety technology will assist the Department and the City with enforcing speed violations which have been a factor to many traffic fatalities."
“When it comes to traffic accidents, speed kills. Whether in a vehicle, on a bicycle, or on foot, too many San Jose residents are seriously injured or killed every year in traffic collisions, and traffic accidents are typically the second-highest cause of death for police officers nationally,” said Sean Pritchard, President of the San Jose Police Officers' Association. “Speed cameras are an effective solution to save the lives of our residents and our officers.”
“While the bigger goal remains infrastructure improvements that bring about maximum safety for all roadway users year-round, these changes cannot be made overnight,” said Sandhya Laddha, Policy Director, Silicon Valley Bike Coalition. “The Automated Speed Enforcement Bill would be a great interim solution, and when coupled with ongoing infrastructure improvements, can help the City achieve its Vision Zero goal faster.”
Though some have expressed concerns about privacy, the cameras will target rear license plates of vehicles traveling 11 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, not the windshield or face of drivers, and measures to safeguard the public’s data and privacy will be taken in accordance with the City’s Digital Privacy Policy. Captured footage will only be retained for 5 days if no violation is issued, 60 days if a violation is issued.
“From my work as Chair of the Vision Zero Task Force, I know that speeding is the number one cause of severe and fatal crashes,” said Councilmember Pam Foley (D9), Chair, Vision Zero Task Force. “Automated speed enforcement is a proven technique to slow drivers down. AB 645 is lifesaving legislation.”
“I want my residents to all come home safely at the end of the day to see their family members and loved ones,” said Councilmember Bien Doan (D7), Vice Chair, Vision Zero Task Force.
Beginning with drivers going 11+mph over the speed limit will result in fines that increase based on how fast drivers were going. While most speeding tickets cost hundreds of dollars, fines for a speed camera citation would start at $50. If a driver is unable to pay due to economic hardship, the City will offer a 50-80% fine reduction, or opt to pay through community service. The goal of these tickets is not to generate income but to change and encourage safer behavior.
"As the councilmember representing the district with the most crashes since 2017 due to speeding, installing automated speed safety cameras is a necessary step toward promoting road safety and crash prevention," said Councilmember Omar Torres (D3).
Funding for the speed cameras comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and fines collected from tickets will also contribute to cost recovery for their installation. Revenue generated will also help fund other traffic calming measures.
“It’s distressing to hear, month after month, about the record-breaking number of pedestrian and auto-related fatalities occurring in our city. We need this added tool in our toolbox to help keep our residents safe and alive,” said Councilmember Dev Davis (D6).
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About the City of San José
With more than one million residents, San José comprises the 10th largest city in the United States and one of its most diverse cities. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center in the heart of Silicon Valley has resulted in the world's greatest concentration of technology talent and development