D.C. Installs First Permanent Speed Camera

A photo radar camera was activated Thursday morning in the 600 block of Florida Avenue in Northeast, near the entrance of Gallaudet University. It is fully operational, and D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey says don't test the technology to see if it works.

"The sign out there says '25' (mph), it doesn't say about 25, or close to 25. It says 25. So, if you are under you are OK, if you are over, you are at your own risk."

Owners of cars caught on the camera will be mailed tickets starting on March 27. For the next month though, fast motorists will be given a grace period with only warnings issued.

Violators caught after the 30-day period, could face a $200 fine.

Ramsey says the Florida Avenue site was chosen as the first fixed spot to place a camera because there are chronic problems with speeding in the area. That includes three speeding-related fatalities in recent years.

The city will continue a fleet of mobile speed cameras. And there are 39 red light cameras that city leaders say have helped reduce red light running by 63 percent.

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