CarLite Long Beach demands speed camera update from city officials

During the recent Long Beach City Council meeting, community members voiced their concerns regarding the implementation of speed cameras as part of the state’s AB 645 initiative. Kurt Canfield, a representative from CarLite Long Beach, emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting that 36 fatalities and 3,000 injuries occurred last year due to speeding, with a significant portion attributed to this issue.

Canfield urged the council for an update on the timeline for the installation of speed cameras, expressing frustration over the lack of communication from city officials. He pointed out that while speed cameras may not be a complete solution, they could play a crucial role in reducing accidents in high-injury areas, particularly along Ocean Boulevard, which has been a focal point in local discussions.

The council acknowledged Canfield's concerns and committed to ensuring that someone from the Public Works department would follow up with him regarding the status of the speed camera program. This response reflects the city’s recognition of the pressing need for measures to enhance road safety and address community concerns about speeding.

In addition to the speed camera discussion, other topics were raised during the meeting, but the focus on traffic safety resonated strongly with attendees, underscoring the community's desire for proactive measures to protect residents.

As Long Beach continues to grapple with traffic-related issues, the council's engagement with community members like Canfield is vital in shaping effective solutions that prioritize public safety and well-being. The next steps will involve clearer communication from city officials and a commitment to implementing safety measures that can help reduce the alarming rates of speed-related incidents in the city.