USDOT Blocks Federal Funding for Traffic Cameras

The U.S. Department of Transportation will not allow cities to use federal grant funding for automated traffic cameras, reports Rachel Weiner in New Orleans City Business. In a statement, a USDOT spokesperson said speed cameras are a way for cities to “pursue unfair revenue schemes.”

The policy applies to the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant, a program started in 2021. “Proposals to extend sidewalk curbs farther into a roadway are also barred, although the number of exceptions is greater: transit stops, roundabouts, school zones, on-street parking and curb extensions that don’t take away lanes of traffic, according to the letters from the U.S. Department of Transportation.” Cities are also prohibited from including equity analyses in their proposals. 

The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) called the move an unwarranted restriction on “proven, lifesaving tools.” 

While the loss of federal funding may not have much impact on camera programs since they often pay for themselves through the revenue they collect, several Congress members have introduced legislation aimed at banning automated enforcement nationwide.