San Diego drops red-light cameras

Mayor Bob Filner hauls off a red-light camera warning sign, no longer needed after his announcement that the city was doing away with the cameras citywide.




Kathleen Ferrier, policy manager with Walk San Diego, said she was dismayed Filner did not reference studies that have shown San Diego’s program has reduced red light running and accidents.


San Diego joins a long list of Southern California cities that have ended their red light programs. Most recently, voters in Murrieta ended their program by ballot, banning the cameras from their city. Other cities that have turned off their cameras include Los Angeles, San Juan Capistrano, Pasadena, Grand Terrace, Bell Gardens, Corona and Glendale.


“The most effective way to create safety in traffic is focusing on the enforcement aspect and the education aspect and these officers provide that,” Lansdowne said, motioning to several department motorcycle officers also in attendance at the announcement.

City Councilman Kevin Faulconer said he supports the mayor’s decision.



Several other San Diego County cities continue to operate red light cameras, including Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, Solana Beach and Vista.

An unscientific U-T San Diego online poll on the subject (now closed) garnered 2,276 votes, 82 percent in favor of ending San Diego's program.


Renew it with the current 15 intersections 4% (96)

Renew it with more cameras 13% (290)

Renew it with fewer cameras 1% (29)

End the program 82% (1861)

2276 total votes.


