ONE BIG THING: SLOWER SPEEDS, SAFER STREETS
What Happened?
Cars kill more people in LA than homicides. That’s been true 3+ years running, and traffic violence is the #1 cause of death for children in LA.
If we’re serious about saving lives, we need to need to use every tool available to us:
🚗Lower Speed Limits
🐫 Speed Humps
🛣️ Lane Reductions
And soon, speed safety cameras operated by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT).
Why it Matters
One year after San Francisco’s speed safety cameras were installed, speeding in targeted areas dropped by 79%. In Oakland, it fell by 70%.
And because speed is such a major factor in crashes, speed cameras have been found to reduce serious injuries and fatalities from traffic violence by up to 44%.
In LA, LADOT will install 125 speed safety cameras at locations with a history of serious or fatal crashes. The department will also prioritize schools and other sensitive sites.
The goal is to change driver behavior. In SF, two-thirds of drivers who received a warning/citation didn’t receive another one. And instead of relying on LAPD officers to pull drivers over, speed safety cameras provide consistent enforcement, with the revenue going back to LADOT to fund mobility improvements.
What Safeguards are in Place Against Surveillance?
LADOT will operate these cameras exclusively for civil traffic enforcement. By law, no data from any of the cameras can be shared with any law enforcement agency – local, state, or federal – without a court order.
These speed safety cameras also use different technology than Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs). Speed safety cameras use radar to measure vehicle speed, rather than scanning the license plates of every passing car. They only take photos of vehicles traveling 11 mph+ over the speed limit, and LADOT staff reviews each citation for accuracy.
What’s Next?
LADOT began installing the first camera this Thursday, and crews will install the remaining 124 cameras across the city over the next few months.
Once each camera comes online, it will have a 60-day warning period. During that time, drivers caught speeding will receive a written warning by mail.
After each camera’s 60-day warning period, violators will be issued a fine starting at $50 for going 11mph+ over the speed limit.
Click here to view a map with the locations of where each camera will be placed.
Two More Quick Hits
The Week Without Driving Continues!
We’re a few days into my Week Without Driving Challenge, and while it’s been HOT, it’s been good! 🔥
For people who don’t drive, navigating LA can mean crossing dangerous streets, biking next to speeding cars, or waiting for a bus in the dark. That’s the reality I want to better understand this week. I bus, take Metro, and bike here and there, but I’ve never gone an entire week without driving since I was elected to City Council.
Follow along on our social media as we document the highs and lows day by day.
Mental Health Unarmed Response Stats
An LA Times analysis found that only 8% of 911 calls that LAPD responds to has to deal with violent crime. But sending LAPD into situations they’re not trained to handle – like dealing with mental health crises – doesn’t make our communities safer.
Over the past few years, the Unarmed Model of Crisis Response has provided an alternative, paired trained clinicians with mental health professionals and intervention workers to help people in crisis.
Since the program launched in 2024, unarmed responders have diverted 4,502 mental health calls and more than 34,000 total calls from LAPD. That means people in crisis can get the appropriate response, while officers can focus on violent crime and other calls that require a police response.
Save the Date – Organizing & Civic Engagement
Thursday, October 8th – Pathways to Equitable City Careers Webinar(FREE webinar on how to navigate equitable career paths)
Thursday, October 15th – Inner City Law Skid Row Community Connect Day(FREE resource fair for unhoused Angelenos)
Save the Date – Community Events
Wednesday, October 7th – Bus/Bike-In Movie Night (FREE screening of Who Framed Roger Rabbit hosted by CD13)
Saturday, October 10th - Homeboy Industries Community Ride (FREE community bike ride hosted by Metro and Homeboy Industries)
Sunday, October 11th – LA Tenants Union Community Garden Day(FREE community gardening hosted by LA Tenants Union)
CD13 Pet of the Week
It’s Pumpkin, our pet of the week!
This sweet girl loves to play all day and night. But beware, if you leave your snacks out, she may just take a bite! This friendly soul is seeking a loving friend to last until the afterlife.
Now that October is here, if you are looking for something to lift your spirits, consider visiting this cutie at North Central.
