Long Beach Implements Speed Camera Program to Combat Rising Fatal Crashes
Long Beach, California, has activated a speed camera program at 18 locations across the city, with two cameras in each City Council district. These cameras began issuing warnings on October 7 and will start issuing citations on December 7. The initiative aims to address a significant increase in fatal crashes, with 53 recorded last year—the highest in over a decade—and 41 so far this year, surpassing the number of homicides. Half of the camera locations are on streets with high rates of deadly or severe accidents, while the other half are situated in school zones or areas known for street racing. The cameras capture only the rear license plates of vehicles, and citations, ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the speed over the limit, are mailed to the registered owner. Long Beach officials estimate the program will generate approximately $5 million in revenue in its first year, with half covering administrative costs and the remainder funding traffic-calming measures in high-need neighborhoods. This progr...
