PORTLAND, Ore. – More speed enforcement cameras are coming to Portland streets, as the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) moves forward with an expanded traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing deadly crashes.
Currently, 32 existing cameras are being replaced under a new vendor contract, with seven additional cameras planned for installation. Once complete, the city will operate 39 traffic enforcement cameras — including 15 dedicated speed cameras and 17 that function as both speed and red-light cameras.
Goal: Slowing Drivers, Preventing Crashes
PBOT spokesperson Hannah Schafer said the updated vendor agreement will allow the city to deploy cameras faster than before.
“We need people to go slower so that we can prevent unnecessary crashes and make the street conditions more safe. That’s what these cameras do,” Schafer told KATU.
Speeding is a factor in over half of all deadly crashes in Portland, according to PBOT. The city’s Vision Zero plan seeks to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries, and Schafer said speed cameras are already showing results.
Since the first cameras went live in 2016:
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Overall speeding at camera locations has dropped 59%
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High-end speeding (10+ mph over the limit) has fallen 88%
How the Program Works
Under the new contract, the camera vendor is paid per citation:
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$15 for each of the first 100 citations per camera per month
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$25 for the next 100 citations
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$15 for each citation beyond that
PBOT says the city’s share of revenue is small, emphasizing that the program’s focus is on safety, not profit.
Evidence and Public Support
PBOT points to research backing the effectiveness of speed enforcement technology. A Cochrane public health network study found that speed cameras can cut total crashes by nearly 50% and reduce deadly or serious injury crashes by up to 44%.
Portlanders appear to support the approach. In a November 2024 survey of nearly 2,000 residents, 82% expressed approval for speed cameras.
Mixed Community Reactions
While many drivers told KATU they support the cameras, some community leaders have raised concerns that the program could disproportionately impact lower-income neighborhoods. Critics argue the city should be cautious about enforcement strategies that result in fines for residents already facing financial challenges.
PBOT maintains that cameras are placed in areas with documented crash risks and speeding problems, with the aim of making streets safer for all users.
As the rollout continues, Portland drivers can expect to see more “photo enforced” signs — and, PBOT hopes, fewer dangerous speeding incidents on city streets.
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