Four Automated License Plate Readers Are Coming to Montecito

The permits have been filed, and installation is on the way. Montecito will host four new Flock Automated License Plate Readers. We first covered this in September of 2022, when the sheriffs came to our Montecito Association Board meeting to show us the new readers, and request help from our community with placing them. These cameras are not being installed to catch speeders, but rather to help sheriffs get valuable leads for major crime investigations. The cameras will help the sheriffs identify who was driving in the area at the time a crime was committed. A total of 26 cameras will be installed across the county.

A map of the cameras going into the South County area, from the permit application:

The four locations for camera installations in Montecito:

129 Sheffield Dr

104 San Ysidro Rd

385 San Ysidro Rd

191 La Vereda Ln

Specific site plan installations from the permit application are shown below for each location, and the direction the cameras will film:

Sheriffs Commander Craig Bonner said the permitting process has been quite difficult. Once they’ve obtained their permits, installation could be in a matter of weeks. He also appreciated the support for this project from Montecitans. The mere presence of the cameras could deter future property crime, helping keep Montecito safe.  

Sharon Byrne is the Executive Director of the Montecito Association