Red light cameras in Sacramento have been deactivated as the sheriff's office terminated the program due to financial concerns. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Amar Gandhi, informed KCRA 3 that the program was intended to be self-sustaining but cost the department $898,000 annually, exceeding the revenue generated from violation tickets. The sheriff’s office could not provide exact ticket numbers or total revenue.
Gandhi explained, "Over the past year, we experienced a deficit. The revenue didn't meet expectations. Instead of continuing in the red for a non-core responsibility, we'll redirect funds to crime reduction efforts."
He emphasized reallocating funds to combat various crimes like theft, homelessness, and violent offenses. The sheriff's office managed 23 red light traffic cameras across the city and county. Additionally, four sheriff's office staff members involved in the program were reassigned.
Despite fines of $480 for violators, the sheriff’s office did not receive the full amount due to distribution among various agencies like the Office of Traffic Safety and the California Highway Patrol.
Isaac Gonzalez from Slow Down Sacramento disagreed with the decision, arguing that the sheriff’s office should prioritize public safety over cost concerns. He stated, "Law enforcement shouldn't aim for cost neutrality. I urge them to consider the value of human life."
Data highlights the danger of intersections, with over 4,000 annual collisions in Sacramento, more than half at traffic signals. According to AAA, two people die daily in red-light-running crashes nationwide. Removal of red light cameras has led to a 30% increase in deadly crashes in cities, as per a 2016 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study.
Gonzalez expressed concern over removing cameras from deadly intersections, where crashes and fatalities previously decreased.
Several drivers, including Edward Kranz and Bruce Currie, disagreed with discontinuing the cameras. Kranz stressed the need for stricter enforcement to prevent collisions.
Currently, cameras remain installed pending removal by the contracted company, with an unclear timeline for this process.