"Many of us, including myself, we hesitate before entering an intersection after the light turns green," Council President Nelson Esparza said.
Esparza brought forward the proposal with the support of Councilmember Annalisa Perea.
"Our police officers cannot be at every intersection every minute of every day. Technology can and should help us enforce our traffic laws," Esparza said.
The pilot program would last for three years, with cameras installed at intersections based on safety needs. The Department of Public Works will implement the program with support from the police department.
Violations would carry civil, not criminal, penalties, and drivers would not receive points on their licenses. The city is still determining the fine amounts.
"We're here to change behaviors. Fresno drivers have become dangerous drivers," said Joe Martinez, whose son, Paul, was killed by a speeding driver in 2013. Martinez supports the camera program.
"This technology is proven to change a driver's behavior and save lives," Martinez said.
The city previously used a limited number of red-light cameras about 20 years ago, but the program did not last. In some cases, intersections became more dangerous, and there were issues identifying the driver.
Under the new state law, the vehicle's registered owner, not the driver, would be ticketed.
"We've seen red light cameras in California prior, but we're bringing them back with all these new parameters and guardrails," Esparza said.
The red-light cameras are months away from becoming operational, and the city must still identify funding for the program.
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