Speed Safety Cameras Coming To San Jose

SAN JOSE, CA — San Jose will tap federal funds to install, test and study speed safety cameras as part of the city's broader effort to curtail soaring traffic-related deaths.

City officials said an $8.5 million federal grant will pay for the project, making San Jose one of six California cities greenlit to pilot the speed-detection cameras under Assembly Bill 645. The money will help the city procure nearly three dozen camera systems, which transportation officials plan to place on high-injury streets across the city.

"With annual traffic deaths in San Jose having more than doubled from 29 in 2012 to a peak of 65 in 2022, providing safe and secure transportation systems is one of our top service priorities," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "I'm proud of our team from the Department of Transportation and City Manager's Office of Intergovernmental Relations for securing this vital funding, and thankful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for recognizing the urgent need to combat the problem of traffic deaths due to speeding."

In preparing for the pilot program, San Jose officials met with leaders in other cities that have implemented speed camera and citation technology, including Chicago, Seattle, Portland and New York City. Research from the Federal Highway Administration found speed cameras can reduce crashes on urban streets by 54 percent, and New York City found speeding plummeted by 73 percent on streets where cameras were placed.

"The use of this innovative technology will allow us to maintain the highest standards in public safety," said Paul Joseph, acting San Jose police chief. "This funding will be instrumental in supplementing the great work our Traffic Enforcement Unit does every day, increasing traffic safety and decreasing traffic deaths."

City leaders are consulting with community groups and analyzing speed and safety data to finalize a list of streets where the cameras will be installed. The city's Department of Transportation plans to meet with the City Council in the fall before submitting an official proposal.

The grant will fund the pilot program for five years.