SF speed cameras will begin citing drivers on Tuesday; citations will depend on speed and income

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- For the last 60 days, speed cameras throughout San Francisco have been giving out warnings to drivers who are speeding past them. The grace period is coming to an end, and citations will range between $50 to $500.

If you see the flash, it's too late. Starting Tuesday, that flash will mean you or the driver next to you just got a ticket.

"It's nice that they gave people warnings, but if you are breaking the law, you should be getting a ticket here," said Sebastian Hassell, a San Francisco resident.

EVERYTHING TO KNOW: Where SF speed cameras are located, how much it will cost you if you're caught speeding

San Francisco will be the first city in California to implement this technology. There are 56 speed cameras in 33 locations. All of them are live.

"These cameras will save lives, so there is a feeling of relief actually from folks who have lost their loved ones. This is the beginning in our minds," said Marta Lindsey, with Walk SF.

Walk SF advocated the cameras for 8 years. August 5 is the day they've been counting down to, and this is only the beginning.

MORE: Here's how many speeding drivers SF's new traffic cameras caught in May

"We have a huge speeding issue everywhere in the city, so eventually yes, we are going to need more speed cameras, and we also need the city to be doing more of the things to design streets that really discourage drivers from going too fast," said Lindsey.

According to SFMTA's, most recent June data, more than 17,000 warnings were given out eastbound on Fulton Street.

"Just sort of like a downhill run here through the light, but it's just a really easy place to speed," said Hassell.

SFMTA said they have seen a 63% decrease in speeding over 13 weeks here since the warning began. Citation costs will depend on income and speed.

"So, the higher you go above the speed limit the more you pay. For example, if you are going above the speed limit between 11 miles - 15 miles per hour your ticket is going to be $50, but if its 16 - 25 above the speed limits its $100 and so on its graduated as you violate the speed limit more and more," said Viktoriya Wise, Director of streets for SFMTA.

MORE: Here's what SF will do with the millions of dollars it could generate with speed camera citations

Some people will now use their navigation app to alert them when they are approaching a speed camera. In Katelyn Wong's case, she is the one alerting her family on a group chat.

"I definitely have to go in my phone and be like I just spoke to Luz Pena today and she was like, we have to make sure we know this," said Wong.

San Francisco's speed camera program is set to last 5 years and the city says they will release a preliminary update on the progress 18 months after the implementation.

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