Oakland Steps Up Traffic Enforcement with Automated Speed Cameras
As part of a nationwide initiative, the City of Oakland has rolled out automated speed safety cameras at 18 locations across the city, starting a 60-day warning period for speeding offenders. The program aims to curb excessive speeding and reduce traffic-related fatalities.
The city joins San Francisco as one of seven California pilot cities implementing speed safety camera programs. According to Mayor Barbara Lee, "Traffic Safety is public safety" and "too many Oakland families have lost loved ones due to traffic violence." The cameras will be placed at strategic locations throughout the city, taking a picture of a license plate if a vehicle exceeds 11 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
During the warning period, drivers will receive only warnings for speeding offenses. However, after the 60-day period ends, fines will begin to kick in. The fine structure varies depending on how much over the speed limit a driver is going. For example, fines start at $50 for speeds between 11-15 mph above the posted limit and increase up to $500 for any vehicle exceeding 100 mph.
It's worth noting that the city has emphasized that these cameras are not surveillance devices but rather designed to slow down traffic and save lives. The vendor operating the program, Verra Mobility, assures that the Department of Transportation is responsible for issuing citations, not law enforcement.
Critics argue that the revenue generated from speeding fines could be used more effectively to improve road safety infrastructure. Director of Oakland's Department of Transportation, Josh Rowan, counters that "speeding is a choice" and emphasizes the need for drivers to slow down voluntarily.
The 60-day warning period began on Wednesday, and citations will start being issued in March.
As part of a nationwide initiative, the City of Oakland has rolled out automated speed safety cameras at 18 locations across the city, starting a 60-day warning period for speeding offenders. The program aims to curb excessive speeding and reduce traffic-related fatalities.
The city joins San Francisco as one of seven California pilot cities implementing speed safety camera programs. According to Mayor Barbara Lee, "Traffic Safety is public safety" and "too many Oakland families have lost loved ones due to traffic violence." The cameras will be placed at strategic locations throughout the city, taking a picture of a license plate if a vehicle exceeds 11 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
During the warning period, drivers will receive only warnings for speeding offenses. However, after the 60-day period ends, fines will begin to kick in. The fine structure varies depending on how much over the speed limit a driver is going. For example, fines start at $50 for speeds between 11-15 mph above the posted limit and increase up to $500 for any vehicle exceeding 100 mph.
It's worth noting that the city has emphasized that these cameras are not surveillance devices but rather designed to slow down traffic and save lives. The vendor operating the program, Verra Mobility, assures that the Department of Transportation is responsible for issuing citations, not law enforcement.
Critics argue that the revenue generated from speeding fines could be used more effectively to improve road safety infrastructure. Director of Oakland's Department of Transportation, Josh Rowan, counters that "speeding is a choice" and emphasizes the need for drivers to slow down voluntarily.
The 60-day warning period began on Wednesday, and citations will start being issued in March.
. And don't even get me started on the fines - $50 for goin' 11 miles over? That's just peanuts! They should be makin' 'em a lot steeper, if you ask me. But hey, at least they're tryin', right? It's about time we got some sense out here on the roads 
. Maybe instead of focusing on fines, we should be investing in programs that actually prevent speeding incidents from happening in the first place. 
, I'm loving this initiative in Oakland! Automated speed cameras are like, exactly what we needed – it's all about saving lives and keeping our streets safe 
. I mean, think about it, too many families have lost loved ones due to speeding, so every little bit counts, right? 
Plus, the 60-day warning period gives drivers a chance to adjust their speed and get used to the new cameras – it's like a gentle nudge in the right direction 
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. And Josh Rowan's point about speeding being a choice is SO true! We all know how to drive safely, so it's time for us to take responsibility and slow down voluntarily 
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, automated speed cameras can literally be lifesavers! I mean, think about it, when you're driving too fast, everyone's at risk - pedestrians, cyclists, other cars... the list goes on. It's just not worth the risk, you know? 
Plus, I love that Oakland's taking proactive steps to address traffic safety. Those $50 fines for speeding might seem small, but it's a start! And who knows, maybe it'll prompt people to rethink their speed and become better drivers 
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, and I'm totally obsessed with their matcha lattes 
️. Have you tried it? I mean, I've only been there like twice, but the owner is super friendly and knows all the regulars by name 
? I need to get my hands on that camera ASAP! But, anyway... back to this speed camera thingy... yeah, it's kinda cool that they're using tech to help keep people safe 
. Although, I'm not sure about the fine structure, seems a bit steep for just one speeding ticket 
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. The idea that fines could be used to improve road safety infrastructure is pretty cool too 
But I guess it's all about slowing down and being responsible on the roads... 
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. And the 60-day warning period is like, "Hey, slow down!" before they start fining you 
. But I'm hoping it'll make a difference and save some lives in Oakland 
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I'm loving this initiative! Automated speed cameras are definitely a game-changer for traffic safety. It's awesome that Oakland is taking proactive steps to reduce traffic-related fatalities and excessive speeding. The 60-day warning period gives drivers a chance to adjust their habits, and if they don't, fines will kick in. I think it's also refreshing that the city is emphasizing the cameras are not surveillance devices - it's all about keeping our roads safe and slowing down traffic. 
. We can't keep puttin our lives in danger just 'cause some dude's tryin to get to work on time 
️. I'm all for the warning period, though - we gotta make sure ppl know they're bein watched 
. And let's not even get started on the revenue - yeah, we should be investin that cash in road safety infrastructure, not just lettin it sit in some bank account 
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Mayor Barbara Lee is all about traffic safety being a top priority, but I'm curious - what happens when people feel the cameras are too aggressive? Won't that just create more of a problem? Like, if fines are gonna be steep, aren't some drivers just gonna opt to drive faster to avoid getting busted? 
. These cameras are a great way to discourage speeding without relying on human cops. Plus, the fines seem reasonable - you get what you pay for, right? 
The city is being super transparent about the program too, which is awesome 
These cameras might just help us all become better drivers... eventually 
its like they wanna protect all the families out there who get hurt on the roads...i mean who can blame them right? 50 bucks for going 11-15 mph over the limit? yeah sure, but 500 bucks for going way too fast? that sounds kinda harsh lol. anyway, gotta say i'm all for safer roads 
. And what's up with the fine structure? $50 for 11-15 mph above speed limit? That's not enough to deter reckless drivers 
. I think they should've started with stricter fines and made it clear that this is a serious issue, you know, lives are at stake 
i mean, it's not just about gettin' money from fines, it's about savin' lives, ya know? those cameras are a great start, but we need to make sure our roads are actually safe for everyone. so many people have lost loved ones due to traffic accidents...it's heartbreaking