Automated Speed-Control Cameras Measure Signed into Law by Governor Newsom
California took a significant step to improve road safety with the enactment of Assembly Bill 645 (AB 645) on October 13, 2023.
This legislation allows six California cities, including San Jose, to implement a pilot program using speed safety cameras. Legislators and advocates for pedestrian safety had tried but failed three times in six years to push a speed camera law through the State Legislature. After lawmakers amended the proposal this year to address concerns around equity and privacy, the bill made it out of the Legislature for the first time in September. See here for key provisions of this bill.
Speed is the #1 cause of severe and fatal traffic crashes. More than 1,000 Californians have died in speed-related traffic crashes every year for the past five years, and thousands more severely injured. And the threat is growing, especially as vehicles become more powerful. While the ultimate solution for reducing traffic violence is safe street design, automated speed safety cameras would provide a great interim solution that, coupled with ongoing infrastructure improvements can help San Jose and other cities achieve their Vision Zero goal (zero traffic fatalities) faster.
Speed safety cameras have been deployed in 205 communities around the country, including cities like New York City and Chicago. Studies have found that drivers slow down significantly at camera locations; in New York, speeding as such locations has dropped by 73 percent. According to the Federal Highway Administration, speed cameras can reduce crashes on urban streets by 54%.
SVBC is excited about AB 645 being signed into law and looks forward to working with the City of San Jose on implementation.
Read More About AB 645 in this article by WalkSF!
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