California Rejects Speed Cameras

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to install cameras that automatically ticket speeding drivers hit a roadblock Wednesday.

Several members of the Senate budget committee expressed serious concerns about the idea ...

The proposal would raise nearly $400 million, including $297 million for the state's general fund to help reduce a $19.9 billion deficit. The plan would provide $41 million for court security and $59.6 million for cities and counties.

But a variety of groups testified against the idea, from the Teamsters union to the Automobile Club of Southern California. Teamsters lobbyist Barry Broad warned that cities could manipulate the length of traffic light sequences to encourage more speeding drivers – and more revenue.

Sen. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, called it a "terrible idea." He said it was being driven by a desire to raise money, when it should be considered only if it enhances safety.

"This is a cynical attempt to generate revenue without dealing with the policy," he said.

Sen. Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, said he was concerned that cameras could lead to more rear-end accidents.


Sacramento Bee February 4, 2010
http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/2511841.html

http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/2511740.html

Wake-up Cal-i-Forn-i-a!

Governor Arnold is now proposing the dumbest solution in history for the California budget problem - SPEED CAMERAS! SPEED CAMERAS make the Speed camera contractor rich and infuriate drivers. If he wanted to do something he should work on stopping the traffic congestion and promote synchronization of red lights to cut down on green house gases but that would not generate money for the state to spend...