Santa Maria City Council
April 7, 2026

Automated Red-Light
Camera Program
Research Summary & Next Steps
Santa Maria Police Department
Red Light Camera Working Group – April 2026
Summary
• Working group was formed September 2025 to research red light camera program and feasibility as a deterrent for a higher number of red-light violations
• Met with 3 qualified vendors and reviewed new SB 720 framework • Primary goal: Reduce traffic collisions and violations through deterrence and enforcement
• Recommendation: Pilot program at 2-3 high priority intersections Background: Previous Program
• Operated 2007 to 2009 with Nestor Traffic systems
• 4 locations were selected
• Reported positive safety results with reduced violations • Ended when vendor (acquired by ATS) terminated contract due to low violation rates
Why Revisit Red Light Cameras Now?
• Traffic has increased and so have red light and speeding violations • Fatal crashes have increased
• SB 720 “Safer Streets Program” was signed on October 25 with modernized regulations
• Technology has advanced with better quality and review requirements
SB 720 vs Traditional Program
• Traditional
• Criminal violation
• $486 fine + DMV point
• City receives minimal fine
disbursement
• Traffic court
• Sworn officer review
• SB 720 (Safer Streets)
• Civil penalty (like parking ticket)
• $100-$500, no DMV point
• City receives 100% of assessed
fine disbursement
• Administrative review
• Professional staff allowed to
review
• Rear plate only (privacy focus)
• Lower cost per camera
Working Group
• Team:
• Traffic Sergeant
• Traffic Lieutenant
• Police Commander
• Police Business Systems Analyst
• Two City Traffic Engineers
• City IT Representative
Research to Date
• Initial planning meeting - September 2025
• Vendor presentations from three qualified companies
• Legal research (SB 720 requirements)
• Review of Santa Maria's previous program history
Estimated Program Costs
• Per camera approach: $4,700-$5,250 per month
• Pilot program (2-3 intersections, 6-8 approaches): $340K-$500K annually
• Payment models: Revenue-neutral, city-funded, or hybrid options available
Program Goals
• Primary: Deter dangerous driving behavior, increase traffic safety and reduce traffic collisions
• Increase compliance with traffic signals at high-risk intersections • Free up officer time for other enforcement priorities Next Steps: What We Need
• Council direction on program and commitment level
• Budget authorization for pilot program
• Preference: SB 720 civil model or traditional program • Procurement approach: Formal RFP or piggyback contract Proposed Pilot Program
• Start with 2-3 high-priority intersections
• Based on collision data, traffic volume, and community safety • 12-18 month evaluation period
• Measure collision reduction, violation trends, and public response Recommendation
• Authorize working group to proceed with pilot program development
• 2-3 intersections using SB 720 civil enforcement model • Focus on deterrence, traffic safety and collision reduction Questions