In a bid to confront the alarming surge in red-light violations, Sacramento is considering a revival of its red-light camera program. This move comes two years after the city had halted the use of these cameras, as running red lights has become a critical issue in California’s bustling capital.
City officials in Sacramento are contemplating a proposal to deploy up to 20 new red-light cameras at accident-prone intersections known for their high rates of traffic signal violations. These potential sites include prominent stretches such as I Street, Capitol Avenue, and 16th Street, as well as Florin Road and Power Inn Road.
This proposal emerges in response to startling statistics indicating that nearly one-third of all serious traffic accidents in Sacramento are attributable to motorists blatantly disregarding red lights.
“Red-light running is becoming an epidemic in our city,” emphasized Dan Allison, a vocal advocate for transportation safety, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Chris Dougherty, who oversees funding and asset planning for Sacramento, supported the efficacy of red-light camera programs, pointing to evidence that such initiatives have led to a 21% reduction in collisions caused by red-light runners.
The city has launched a survey to gather public input on where residents think the cameras should be installed. The cameras would be brought back under a new state law that classifies red light violations as traffic tickets instead of criminal moving violations.
Cameras would only capture rear license plates and not faces, city officials said. It would not be connected to police databases.
Fines would start at $100 for the first violation and increase up to $500, and low-income residents would qualify for reductions and low payment plans.
“Red light enforcement we can do immediately, and we’re looking for any strategy that we can find that can get people to slow down and drive a little safer,” City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum told KCRA.
Sacramento did have traffic cameras back in 2024, but the program was scrapped due to operating costs. It had cost the city $898,000 per year, which was higher than the money generated from violation tickets.
Still, some residents were unsure about bringing the cameras back.
“Technology malfunctions. It’s not always effective. I’ve seen in the past where it randomly goes off and gives people tickets when they don’t deserve it,” resident Peyton Sievers said told CBS.