Two new cameras were being installed today on streetlight posts at the Monterey/Circular/I-280 intersection—not for speed enforcement, but to improve the sensing system that determines traffic-light timing.

An SFMTA engineer told an inquisitive passerby that the new cameras will do a better job of detecting the presence or absence of cross-traffic, and prevent green lights going on when there are no cars present in certain locations.

Bicyclists waiting on Circular in the absence of cars will hopefully have better luck getting the light to go green for them. Pedestrians will still need to push the little buttons to get a walk light to cross the street.