Los Angeles activates first automated speed cameras
New devices on four high-risk streets issue mailed warnings for 60 days before fines reach $500.
By Yasmin Duda ·
Los Angeles began operating a new automated speed enforcement system on Monday.
City officials launched the program to address speeding, which they state causes most crashes on municipal streets. Cameras activate when vehicles travel at least 11 miles per hour over the posted limit. The equipment captures rear license plates but avoids imaging drivers or passengers.
The city plans to install 125 cameras by the end of the year. These units are positioned near schools and along roads with histories of serious collisions as part of a five-year pilot. Initially, the system sends warnings by mail for 60 days. After that period, fines apply. Drivers exceeding the limit by 11 to 15 miles per hour face a $50 penalty. Costs rise with speed and can reach $500. Violations result in civil penalties rather than traffic tickets, so no points appear on a driver's DMV record.
Four intersections are currently active: La Brea Avenue and First Street; Fairfax Avenue and Clinton Street; Melrose Avenue and Hayworth Avenue; and La Cienega Boulevard and Pico Boulevard.
LaKayla Keenan owns a beauty salon near one of the locations. She reports seeing frequent speeding and crashes. "Hopefully, it does slow them down," Keenan said. She expressed uncertainty about the immediate effect. "Maybe when people start to catch on to it, they might start slowing down," she added.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles
