SF speed cameras issued more than 31K warnings in April

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Recently deployed speed cameras around the City of San Francisco issued more than 31,000 warnings last month. According to the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency, the cameras averaged over 1,000 warnings a day.

SFMTA said these numbers are set to increase when the agency activates additional speed safety cameras in June. On Tuesday, SFMTA got preliminary approval from PG&E to activate additional speed safety cameras at 12 high-risk locations.

“Early data from our pilot program is giving us the clearest picture yet of where, when and how fast people are speeding on our streets,” SFMTA said in a blog post Tuesday. “Every warning is an opportunity to encourage safer driving and to gather valuable insights into speeding patterns across San Francisco.”

SFMTA said it is actively monitoring trends and will take steps to address trouble spots. The agency has also launched a new public dashboard in partnership with DataSF where up-to-date information on speed patterns at camera locations, with monthly updates.

Streets with the highest number of violations include:

• Fulton between Arguello Boulevard and 2nd Avenue saw the highest number of speeding violations
• Geary between Webster and Buchannan streets ranked second for average daily violations — It also saw the highest recorded speed (65 mph in a 30 mph zone)

Other findings:

• 77% of drivers who received warnings were going 11-15 mph over the speed limit
• 19% of drivers who received warnings were going 16-20 mph over the speed limit
• 4% of drivers who received warnings were going 21+ mph over the speed limit

The highest number of violations, according to SFMTA, occurred during the morning rush between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Tuesday was the day of the week with the highest number of violations.

SF speed camera map

Map/Data: SF Gov/SFMTA

“Speeding remains a leading cause of severe injuries and deaths on our streets,” SFMTA said. “That’s why we acted quickly to get this life-saving program underway as soon as possible.”

SFMTA said it is taking steps including more frequent and larger speed limit signs ahead of cameras in trouble spots. It is also adding speed limit pavement markings reminding drivers to slow down.

The agency said it expects to have speed safety cameras at 33 locations operational by early June.