Sacramento mulls reinstating red-light cameras to curb dangerous driving

Sacramento leaders are evaluating a plan to reinstall red-light cameras that were removed two years ago due to cost concerns. The initiative targets up to 20 sites, including I Street, Capitol Avenue, 16th Street, Florin Road and Power Inn Road, where crash and violation histories are high. Transportation advocate Dan Allison described the problem as an "epidemic," while the city’s funding and asset planning manager, Chris Dougherty, pointed to a 21% reduction in red-light collisions where cameras have been used.

Residents are being asked via a public survey to weigh in on preferred locations, and any new system would photograph only rear license plates, not faces, and would not link to police databases. Fines would begin at $100 for a first offense and could rise to $500, with income-based reductions available. Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum emphasized the need for immediate enforcement measures to improve safety.