Speed-enforcement camera use test on San Jose streets clears full state Assembly vote, in significant victory

Written By Scott Brown

State law to allow speeder-catching cameras on streets in San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland and three Southern California cities was approved by the full state Assembly this week.

The decision marks the first time ever that speed-camera legislation has passed a house in the state Legislature. It now goes to the Senate for consideration, and if approved there, to the Governor for final decision.

The measure, Assembly Bill 645 (AB 645), had previously died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, but cleared that committee 5/19 and full Assembly vote on 5/31. It would allow a test program of automated speed-enforcement cameras on streets, under specific conditions regulating use, privacy and equitable community treatment, in the six cities.

Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) and other street safety organizations support AB 645, arguing that rising traffic deaths require such measures. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and the City Council, Police Chief and police union have likewise thrown their support to the measure, after seeing a record 65 traffic deaths in 2022, many of those caused by speeding drivers.

Supporters are urged to write or call their state Senate members as soon as able.

While the big goal remains infrastructure improvements that bring about maximum safety for all roadway users 24x7 year-around, such changes cannot be made overnight, Sandhya Laddha, SVBC policy and advocacy director, has said. The automated speed enforcement measure provides an interim solution that, coupled with ongoing infrastructure improvements, can help San Jose more rapidly achieve its Vision Zero goal, she said.

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Scott Brown
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