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Consideration of request from Engineering Division to support the Safe Roads Save Lives Act (SB 375/AB 371) which would authorize the City of Milwaukee to implement a traffic safety camera pilot program
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Submitted by:
Michael May, PE, PTOE RSP1
Department:
DPW - Engineering Division
A. Issue
Several state legislators are interested in passing a bill (the Safe Roads Save Lives Act, SB 375/AB 371) that would expressly allow the City of Milwaukee to use red light and speed safety cameras.
B. Background/Options
State law currently bans the use of radar-based traffic safety cameras. With the high number of traffic injuries and deaths in Milwaukee, and with 270% increase in traffic deaths related to speeding since 2002, the City of Milwaukee would like to pilot a traffic safety camera program.
Two overview fact sheets from the City of Milwaukee are attached. The first provides a bullet point summary of the Safe Roads Save Lives Act. The second provides additional statistics and information on the effectiveness of traffic safety cameras in positively impacting driver behavior. The bills can be found and tracked at <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/sb375> and <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/ab371>.
It is important to note that the Safe Roads Save Lives Act would authorize the City of Milwaukee, and the City of Milwaukee only, to implement a traffic safety camera pilot program. The goal of the program is to positively change driver behavior in the City of Milwaukee in a manner that aids in the elimination of deaths and severe injuries. It is anticipated that these changes will also benefit surrounding communities, which is why the Engineering Division requests Council support the Safe Roads Save Lives Act.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 2: Public Safety, Goal 2. Proactively address pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular behavior.
D. Fiscal Impact
None
E. Recommendation
Recommend Common Council pass a resolution supporting the Safe Roads Save Lives Act (SB 375/AB 371) which would authorize the City of Milwaukee to implement a traffic safety camera pilot program.