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File #: SS 25-007   
Type: Study Session Status: Presented
File created: 1/22/2025 In control: City Council Study Session
On agenda: 1/28/2025 Final action: 1/28/2025
Title: Automated Speed Safety Cameras
Attachments: 1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: RCW 46.63.220 - Automated Traffic Safety Cameras, 3. Attachment B: House Substitute House Bill 2384

TO: Members of the City Council

FROM: Mayor Angela Birney

DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):

Police

Chief Darrell Lowe

425-556-2521

 

DEPARTMENT STAFF:

Police

Brian Coats

Deputy Chief

 

 

TITLE:

title

Automated Speed Safety Cameras

 

OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

recommendation

Police staff look forward to engaging with the Council in another discussion about the implementation of an automated speed safety program. This discussion will focus on addressing previously raised questions and concerns from committee meetings. Data from traffic speed surveys conducted in designated school zones and parks has already been shared with the Council, and work is underway to provide updated speed survey data for further consideration.

Future Council engagements will include a presentation of the amended city ordinance specific to automated cameras and an equity analysis report. Both documents will serve as key elements in shaping the policy and direction of the program.

body

  Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached

 

 

REQUESTED ACTION:

 

  Receive Information                                            Provide Direction                                            Approve

 

 

REQUEST RATIONALE:

 

                     Relevant Plans/Policies:

Safer Streets Action Plan

RCW 46.63.220 - Automated Traffic Safety Cameras

House Substitute House Bill 2384

                     Required:

N/A

                     Council Request:

N/A

                     Other Key Facts:

N/A

 

OUTCOMES:

Automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones protects children and pedestrians by reminding motorists to slow down and obey the posted school zone speed limits, especially while the lights are flashing, and children are present.  Automated speed cameras on streets bordering the city’s parks protects pedestrians and bicyclists in the vicinity or crossing the road.  Adjusting motorist behavior in school and park zones requires constant monitoring by police officers, which is not possible given the number of locations in the City and additional responsibilities of officers.   Signs posted in the area warning of photo enforcement and the issuance of tickets accomplishes this objective, resulting in slower vehicle speeds and less chance of a collision resulting in a serious injury or fatality.

 

Based on the analysis of data from jurisdictions that have speed enforcement cameras, the City can expect a 70% reduction in violations after warning signs are posted and community outreach has occurred.  Another reduction of 70% is expected a year later as motorists become accustomed to the speed zone locations. 

 

An automated speed enforcement camera program has many benefits.  The cameras are impartial, providing an equal application of the speed law to all speeding vehicles and allows consistent enforcement of violations for when officers are not present. Funds generated from the speed camera violations must be used to support traffic safety programs, equipment, and traffic calming projects.

 

 

 

COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:

 

                     Timeline (previous or planned):

N/A

                     Outreach Methods and Results:

Outreach, educational campaigns, and community surveys will be conducted upon approval of this program.

                     Feedback Summary:

N/A

 

 

BUDGET IMPACT:

 

Total Cost:

Money generated from the revenue of this project pays the vendor services.  

 

Approved in current biennial budget:                                            Yes                                            No                                            N/A

 

Budget Offer Number:

228 Criminal Justice

 

Budget Priority:

Safe and Resilient

 

Other budget impacts or additional costs:                       Yes                                            No                                            N/A

If yes, explain:

N/A

 

Funding source(s):

Speed enforcement fines

 

Budget/Funding Constraints:

N/A

 

  Additional budget details attached

 

 

COUNCIL REVIEW:

 

Previous Contact(s)

Date

Meeting

Requested Action

9/19/2023

Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services

Receive Information

9/17/2024

Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services

Provide Direction

 

Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)

Date

Meeting

Requested Action

N/A

None proposed at this time

N/A

 

Time Constraints:

N/A

 

 

ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:

Automated speed enforcement cameras will not be used as a resource in the City.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A:  RCW 46.63.220 - Automated Traffic Safety Cameras

Attachment B:  House Substitute House Bill 2384