City departments collaborate on expansion of automated traffic safety camera program

Seattle's Transportation Committee is making significant strides in enhancing road safety through the expansion of its automated traffic safety camera program. During a recent meeting, officials announced plans to activate approximately half of the new camera locations before the start of the 2025-2026 school year, with full implementation expected by the end of this year.

The program is a collaborative effort involving three city departments: the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the Seattle Police Department (SPD), and the Municipal Court. Each department has distinct responsibilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to traffic safety. SDOT focuses on engineering aspects, including identifying camera locations and overseeing the design and construction processes. Meanwhile, SPD manages the vendor contracts for the cameras, which are not owned by the city but provided by a third-party vendor. This arrangement incurs no upfront costs for the city, although ongoing monthly fees of around $4,000 per camera are charged.

The Municipal Court plays a crucial role in managing court proceedings related to traffic violations captured by these cameras. They handle payment collections and offer fine mitigation options for individuals receiving public assistance, such as ticket debt reduction and payment plans.

Recent changes in state legislation have further streamlined the program. New laws now allow civilian employees within SPD and SDOT to review citations, expanding the pool of reviewers and facilitating a more efficient process for managing safety camera infractions. Additionally, the legislation mandates safety and equity analyses for the installation and relocation of cameras, ensuring that these measures are implemented fairly across the community.

As Seattle moves forward with these enhancements, the city aims to improve road safety and reduce traffic violations, ultimately benefiting residents and visitors alike. The collaborative efforts of the involved departments and the recent legislative changes are expected to create a more effective and equitable traffic safety program in the city.