California Speed Camera Bill Advances to Senate

The bill authorizing automated traffic cameras in six test cities passed by a large margin in the State Assembly.

1 minute read

June 13, 2023, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of speed camera mounted above roadway with red car passing by underneath

Jevanto Productions / Traffic enforcement camera

A proposal to legalize traffic cameras in some California cities passed the State Assembly and awaits approval from the State Senate, reports Steve Scauzillo in Los Angeles Daily News.

Scauzillo explains, “Assembly Bill 645, authored by Assemblymember Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, authorizes ‘speed camera’ pilot programs in school zones and on high-injury streets with speeding problems in six cities, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco.”

The bill received widespread bipartisan support in the Assembly as traffic deaths in California and around the country reach alarmingly high numbers. “In California, the pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% higher than the national average. In 2021 alone, 4,258 Californians died in traffic collisions, a 10.7% increase from the previous year.”

Automated enforcement is widely credited with reducing deaths and serious injuries. An Ottawa study showed a quadrupling of compliance with speed limits near one school, and “In Scottsdale, Arizona and Portland, Oregon traffic fatalities have fallen 54% since the cameras were instituted. In Washington D.C, traffic fatalities decreased by 70%.”

Saturday, June 10, 2023 in Los Angeles Daily News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog