The daily commute in Long Beach is getting a major digital upgrade.
To actively reduce local traffic incidents, the city officially launched a brand-new citywide speed safety system.
According to a report from CBS News, Long Beach experienced its highest number of traffic deaths in over a decade last year.
Officials hope these automated cameras will quickly reverse that trend and make the streets safer for pedestrians and commuters alike.
Where the cameras are and how they work
The city installed the new cameras specifically in school zones and areas with high collision rates.
If you worry about a ticket for coasting slightly over the limit, rest easy. The system only triggers when a vehicle travels 11 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit.
The city also built strict privacy protections into the program. The devices only photograph the vehicle’s rear license plate. They use absolutely no video, facial recognition, or automated license plate reader technology.
Additionally, the Department of Public Works runs the entire program. This ensures they do not share your personal information with the local police department.
When do the actual fines begin?
Long Beach is giving drivers a buffer to adjust to the new rules. The city will only mail warning notices for the first 60 days. This means they will not issue any actual financial citations until December.
Even when the grace period ends, the state designed the program to prioritize safety over revenue. To keep the penalties equitable, the city will reduce fine amounts for individuals living under the poverty line.
A growing trend across Southern California
Long Beach isn’t the only local city adopting this tech. Thanks to a pilot program authorized by the State Legislature, automated speed enforcement is expanding fast across the region.
Los Angeles will activate its first cameras later this month, while Glendale also prepares to roll out its own system.
Malibu is taking similar action following a tragic series of deadly crashes along the Pacific Coast Highway. In November, Malibu will turn on its speed cameras. They will also feature a 60-day warning period.
To put the region’s speeding issue into perspective, Malibu recorded an alarming 100,000 speeding violations across just four cameras during a testing phase last month.
If you drive through Long Beach, Los Angeles, or the PCH this fall, you should definitely keep a closer eye on your speedometer.
