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California is set to roll out its first traffic cameras in select cities across the state.
The surveillance is set to be installed next year in Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Long Beach and Glendale.
Officials say the new camera systems aim to curb the high rate of speeding-related traffic deaths.
The system will automatically cite and ticket drivers who are detected driving over local speed limits, with penalties of $50, $100, $200 or $500, depending on the severity of the infraction.
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Early morning rush hour traffic crawls along the Hollywood Freeway toward downtown Los Angeles. The city will be one of several across California to participate in the pilot program of speeding cameras in the state. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Cameras will not issue tickets for drivers going less than 11 mph over the speed limit.
Drivers would, instead, receive a warning on their first violation.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative meeting at the Hilton Midtown in New York City. Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 645 into law this month, approving installation of traffic cameras in key cities. (John Nacion/WireImage)
After several failed attempts to pass the bill, a carve-out was included that would allow low-income violators to pay their ticket via community service.
The camera systems were established in Assembly Bill 645, passed by the state senate last month.
Gov. Gavin Newsom approved and signed the legislation earlier this month.
A speed camera is shown in New York City. Speed cameras are being installed in key cities across California in an attempt to curb speeding-related deaths that have spiked in the state. (Photo by John Smith/VIEWpress)
The legislation establishes the camera systems as a pilot program that will last five years.
After the program is complete, its successes and failures will be evaluated to inform future traffic enforcement.
If the cameras effectively reduce speeding incidents in the selected cities, the program may be implemented in cities all over California.
