San Francisco Speed Cameras Begin Issuing Fines Across City

Several U.S. cities have implemented automated speed camera programs to reduce speeding and enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in school zones. In San Francisco, after a warning period starting in March, speed cameras at 33 locations have begun issuing fines ranging from $50 to $500 to speeding drivers, with officials reporting a significant reduction in repeat offenses and emphasizing that revenue supports traffic-calming measures rather than generating profit. Similarly, Tusculum, Tennessee, launched a school zone speed camera program with civil citations for drivers exceeding speed limits by 10 mph or more, highlighting the life-saving potential of reducing vehicle speeds near children. Mendota Heights, Minnesota, introduced the state's first speed safety camera pilot near a high school, issuing warnings initially and fines starting at $40 for repeat offenses, with an emphasis on non-intrusive enforcement and community support for slowing traffic. These programs reflect a growing trend toward automated enforcement as a tool to improve road safety, especially for vulnerable pedestrians like schoolchildren. Advocates and officials across these locations stress that lower speeds significantly increase survival rates in collisions and encourage drivers to adapt their behavior accordingly.