LA boosts fines for 'California stops'

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The fine for running red lights in the city of Los Angeles has more than doubled to almost $400, officials said.

The change primarily affects motorists who make rolling right turns against red lights -- dubbed "California stops" by police -- at 32 camera-equipped intersections, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

Police Lt. John Romero said the higher penalty applies to tickets issued by officers, as well as those resulting from automated traffic signal cameras.

He said generating much-needed revenue for the cash-strapped city was not a consideration.

"This was a recommendation a year ago, before we were in this fiscal crisis," he said. "It just takes a long time to get that city attorney opinion. It's the correct section to cite."

"We do not calculate revenue. This is a traffic safety program."