San Francisco, California Mayor Gavin Newsom (D) announced Friday that cameras mounted on municipal buses would begin generating citations in the first-of-its kind program in the US. The Transit Lane Enforcement Project uses video cameras mounted on the front of the bus to videotape the streets. Initially, the program would focus on vehicles that stray into or park in bus-only lanes to generate thousands in new revenue.

"We must continue to look for both proven and innovative approaches to improving Muni's efficiency," Newsom said in a statement.

Newsom's ticket buses will issue warnings until February 2 when the owner of an accused vehicle will be mailed a $100 citation. Operations will initially be limited to on Mission Street between Main Street and 11th Street, and Geary Street between Market Street and Gough Street. In April, the cameras will expand ticketing throughout the city.

Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been used in the UK to issue parking tickets for several years. Newsom has a history of importing ideas from from his London colleague Ken Livingstone, including a proposed congestion tax imposed on motorists entering the downtown area. Both ideas have generated millions in new revenue for the UK capital.