DeKalb GA News

San Francisco recently implemented a new traffic camera program, introducing a penalty system based on the driver's income level. According to reports from KABC-TV in Los Angeles, 33 new cameras were activated last month. However, the city plans to issue only warnings during the first two months, transitioning to citations after this period.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency disclosed that fines will vary according to the driver's income, following state legislation. For instance, drivers exceeding the speed limit by 11 to 15 miles per hour will incur $50 fines, but this drops to $25 for "low-income" individuals and $10 for those on "public assistance."

This tiered approach also applies to higher fines. Speeding between 16 and 25 miles per hour over the limit results in $100 penalties for most, but these are reduced to $50 and $20 for lower-income brackets respectively. Fines for exceeding the speed limit by 26 miles or more are $200 but decrease to $100 for low-income and $40 for those on assistance. A $500 penalty applies to speeds over 100 miles per hour, which drops to $250 or $100 based on income level.

The agency further provides information on its website on accessing low-income transit fares and fee waivers, emphasizing discounts for customers with an annual income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Some critics argue that the program's income-based fines are unfair. An opinion in the Staten Island Advance predicted that the initiative might be unpopular in San Francisco, similar to New York City's experience with traffic cameras. The article questioned the equity of penalizing some drivers more than others for the same infraction, suggesting it could lead some to repeat offenses.

The program aligns with an "equity" focus and has received support from Governor Newsom, although it has sparked debate about fairness and responsibility on the roads.