Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to install cameras that automatically ticket speeding drivers hit a roadblock Wednesday.

Several members of the Senate budget committee expressed serious concerns about the idea despite a positive recommendation from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office.

Under Schwarzenegger's plan, cities and counties would install automatic speed cameras at intersections, generally where red-light cameras are already in place. Violations would result in total fines of $225 for driving up to 15 mph over the limit and $325 for driving faster than 15 mph over it.

The proposal would raise nearly $400 million, including $297 million for the state's general fund to help reduce a $19.9 billion deficit. The plan would provide $41 million for court security and $59.6 million for cities and counties.

The LAO and Schwarzenegger's Department of Finance spoke in favor of the plan, saying it would generate money for the state and increase driver safety.

"Overall we feel like the proposal is a good one because it would create an opportunity for the locals to generate some revenue and the state to generate some revenue," said LAO analyst Drew Soderborg.

But a variety of groups testified against the idea, from the Teamsters union to the Automobile Club of Southern California. Teamsters lobbyist Barry Broad warned that cities could manipulate the length of traffic light sequences to encourage more speeding drivers -- and more revenue.

Senator Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, chairman of the Senate Transporation Committee, called it a "terrible idea." He said it was being driven by a desire to raise money, when it should only be considered if it enhances safety.

"This is a cynical attempt to generate revenue without dealing with the policy," he said.

Sen. Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, said he was concerned that cameras could lead to more rear-end accidents. He said he would prefer to see the state try to generate revenue by selling advertising on the state's freeway billboards.

"That doesn't hit people in their pocketbook like this does," Huff said. "That doesn't get people angry at us like this does."

At the end of testimony, the committee's chairwoman, Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny, D-San Diego, said the speed cameras face a "long row to hoe" and that "we should all look for another $300 million."