Metro to begin enforcing traffic rules along Crenshaw Boulevard
Metro will begin enforcing left-hand turn traffic rules along Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles Monday.
The agency will use cameras at several train crossings to catch drivers who disobey traffic signals at specific intersections on Crenshaw Boulevard between West 59th Street and 48th Street East.
The following interventions have been equipped with surveillance cameras:
Southbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to 48th Street East
Northbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to Slauson Avenue West
Southbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to Slauson Avenue East
Northbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to 59th Street West
Southbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to 59th Street East
Northbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to 57th Street West
Northbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to 54th Street West
Southbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to 54th Street East
Northbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to 52nd Street West
Southbound Crenshaw Boulevard left turn to 52nd Street East
Drivers who violate the traffic laws will receive citations in the mail. Fines begin at $100 plus penalties and assessments, according to Metro.
Some residents were not on board with the idea, saying it's the technology of the light that is the problem.
"You're going to put in a malfunctioning light and then you're going to fine people for it? No." said Assata Umoja of Partnership for Empowerment Hyde Park. "You need to not be citing people at this point."
Locals said they have been complaining to Metro about the busted lights for months.
"They have not fixed the lights. They have not done anything," said Kimmarie Johnson-Roussell, Park Mesa Heights Community Council member told CBS Los Angeles on Monday. "And people will be penalized."
CBS reporters on the scene early Tuesday morning witnessed the lights performing in the exact manner explained to them by residents, flashing and clicking even when there were no cars on the road, or when cars were driving straight through the area instead of turning.
A Metro spokesman said he would inform staff of the malfunctioning lights.
Prior to the enforcement, LASD issued warnings to motorists for an 11-month period, according to Metro.
