SFMTA begins issuing citations from automated speed cameras after warning period

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency began issuing citations this week from its automated speed-safety cameras after a months-long warning period, Director Victoria Wise told the board. Wise said data collected during the warning period showed average daily speeding events across camera locations fell by more than 30% between the first and seventh week, with one site on Fulton Street showing a 62% reduction after 13 weeks.

"Today is that day," Wise said as she announced the shift from warnings to citations at 33 camera sites. She described the program as educational in intent and said agency staff supplemented cameras with larger speed-limit signage and pavement markings at high-speed locations.

Under the camera policy described by Wise, drivers detected exceeding the limit by 11 miles per hour or more may receive a citation; first-time drivers measured between 11 and 15 mph may still receive a warning the first time in the program's initial enforcement phase. Information on camera locations, appeals and payment instructions is posted at sfmta.com/speedcameras, Wise said.

Board members pressed staff on how revenue from citations will be used. Wise said fines first cover program operating costs, then any excess is directed to traffic-calming measures such as speed humps or cushions citywide as directed by state law; if funds remain after that, the legislation requires returning them to the State of California.

The board did not take separate action on the announcement; the agency said it will monitor the program and report post-implementation results.