DC Council to examine proposed higher traffic fines

WASHINGTON (AP) -- District of Columbia lawmakers are set examine a proposal to raise some fines for speeding in the city to $1,000.

The hefty fines would go to drivers who exceed the posted speed limit by more than 25 mph. They would be issued to drivers caught on speed cameras as well as those pulled over by police.

Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration proposed the fines as part of its "Vision Zero" plan to eliminate pedestrian deaths in the nation's capital. The administration wants to raise fines for a variety of traffic offenses. Hiking the fines does not require D.C. Council approval.

Nonetheless, D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh has said the District needs to prove that the higher fines are justified. She will lead a round-table discussion on the proposal on Jan. 8.