Residents tell council speed‑camera program is penalizing low‑income drivers

At the May 28 Miami Gardens council meeting, residents urged the council to end or change the city’s automated speed‑camera program, calling the fines a burden on working families and proposing alternatives such as speed bumps and clearer signage.

Dave Joseph, who identified himself as a Miami Gardens resident, said speed cameras have "hurt people who can at least afford it, working class families, struggling youth, and seniors." He said automated tickets carry downstream costs such as late fees, suspended licenses and court fees and argued for physical safety measures instead: "We need real solutions, speed bumps, clear signs, better crosswalks, not hidden cameras designed to generate revenue."

Joseph said he has brought the issue to the council and warned of political consequences if residents feel ignored. No council action or staff presentation on the speed‑camera program occurred during the meeting; the comment was part of the public‑comment period. The record does not show whether the city council will place the program on a future agenda for staff analysis or policy change.