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Bothell police report year‑over‑year drop in school‑zone infractions; red‑light ALPRs to return in June
Summary
Bothell Police presented a first full-year analysis of school‑zone automated license plate reader enforcement showing fewer citations than the prior year and a concentration of violators registered outside city limits; staff will return in June with a proposal on red‑light ALPRs.
Bothell Police presented an annual update on the school‑zone automated license plate reader (ALPR) enforcement program at the April 1 council meeting, reporting a year‑over‑year decline in citations for the zones monitored in 2024.
Captain John Rogers said the system currently uses 11 cameras covering five school zones and that citations for the fourth quarter of 2024 were down compared with the fourth quarter of 2023. The department’s analysis showed higher‑speed violations remain especially concerning because of stopping‑distance effects; Rogers noted speeds of 21 mph or more over the posted limit significantly increase collision risks.
Chief Ken Silverlich told the council most violators’ registered addresses are in neighboring jurisdictions — in descending order the largest groups were registered in Kirkland, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Everett and Kenmore — which the department said aligns with observed “cut‑through” traffic using Bothell school zones to access 1‑405 and other regional routes. The department said this transitory pattern partly explains the higher violation volumes at certain sites, especially the Northshore/Woodmoor area.
Police staff said they will continue to review 2025 data and monitor trends; if council wishes to proceed with red‑light ALPRs the department will return in June to seek policy direction and discuss community engagement. Council members asked whether the department would run community education sessions ahead of any red‑light discussion; staff said they plan public outreach if the council directs the department to move forward.
Why it matters: The cameras aim to reduce speeds and improve safety around schools; officials say early results match the program’s intent, with fewer recorded violations and evidence the enforcement is influencing driver speeds.
Ending: Police said they will publish regular quarter and annual reports online and return to council with additional data and a red‑light ALPR proposal in June if directed.
