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