Verra Mobility Partners with City of Oakland to Launch Speed Safety Program

On June 18, 2025, Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM), a prominent provider of smart mobility technology solutions, announced a significant partnership with the City of Oakland aimed at improving traffic safety through the implementation of a speed safety program. This initiative, approved by Oakland's City Council, marks a critical step in addressing the city's ongoing challenges with traffic-related fatalities.

Oakland has witnessed an alarming trend in traffic fatalities, with an average of over 33 deaths annually since 2020 attributed to reckless driving behaviors. In response to this urgent public safety issue, the city has authorized the deployment of advanced automated speed enforcement technology across 18 high-risk locations, utilizing a total of 36 cameras. This initiative is the second of its kind in California, following legislative approval under Assembly Bill 645 (AB 645) enacted in October 2023.

"As an Oakland City Councilmember and a Commissioner on the Alameda County Transportation Commission, I support this project and its many safety benefits," stated at-large Councilmember Rowena Brown. The city is committed to leveraging technology to enhance the safety of its streets and protect its residents.

The speed camera systems will be strategically placed along Oakland's High-Injury Network—an area comprising only 8% of the city’s streets but accounting for 60% of severe and fatal collisions. The Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) conducted extensive data collection, assessing vehicle speeds at over 40 potential locations before narrowing down to the final 18 sites, which prioritize areas near schools, senior centers, and commercial districts.

Josh Rowan, Director of OakDOT, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "The new speed camera safety program marks a much-needed shift for the streets of Oakland, where too many lives have been lost due to reckless speeding." The cameras will monitor traffic in both directions, capturing vehicles exceeding the speed limit by more than 11 mph.

Community leaders are optimistic about the potential impact of the speed safety program. Chris Iglesias, CEO of The Unity Council, highlighted the disproportionate impact of traffic violence on vulnerable populations, stating, "By focusing enforcement on the most dangerous behaviors on our highest-risk streets, this program will help create more equitable outcomes while making our neighborhoods safer and more walkable."

Verra Mobility's Vice President, Will Barnow, commented on the partnership, stating, "Our experience implementing the largest programs across the country has demonstrated that automated speed enforcement is one of the most effective tools available to create safer streets." The company aims to replicate the success of similar programs that have seen up to a 94% reduction in speeding at enforcement locations.

The speed camera systems are set to operate around the clock, issuing citations that start at $50 for minor offenses and escalating to fines of up to $500 for severe violations. In alignment with AB 645, the program will also provide reduced fees for low-income residents, with a 60-day warning period before actual citations are enforced.

As part of the initiative, Verra Mobility will collaborate with local firm Marinship Development, LLC, for the installation and maintenance of the camera systems. Derek Smith, founder of Marinship Development, expressed pride in contributing to a project that enhances community safety while providing job opportunities for Oakland residents.

The community can expect a public education campaign to commence by late summer, with the official launch of the warning period anticipated before the end of the calendar year. Continuous monitoring and evaluations will be conducted by OakDOT, with updates made available on the city’s website.

Verra Mobility's collaboration with the City of Oakland represents a proactive approach to addressing the critical issue of traffic safety. By implementing cutting-edge technology and engaging with the community, this initiative aims to protect lives and create safer streets, setting a precedent for similar programs across the nation. As the city takes these important steps, residents can look forward to a future where road safety is prioritized, and traffic-related fatalities are significantly reduced.