Summer is speeding by, and the return to school in Seattle next week would be a good time to slow down, especially in 19 new spots across the city where Speed Zone Safety Cameras have been added.
The Seattle Department of Transportation shared a reminder this week that its technology will target drivers going more than 20 mph in a school zone. And it doesn’t take a numbers geek to appreciate the penalty — tickets for such an infraction are $237.
Many of the 38 School Zone Safety Cameras — located near public schools in Seattle — will be active when school starts on Wednesday, and the remainder will be installed during the school year, SDOT said in a blog post earlier this summer.
The zones are marked with yellow flashing beacons on speed limit signs. They are turned on at certain times based on when students are most likely to be present. Cameras in the zones photograph passing vehicles and license plates, and speeders receive a ticket in the mail. Pictures and video of any alleged camera violation can be viewed online.
The new locations were chosen based on safety and equity data analysis, according to SDOT, with the goal of adding cameras where they could have the biggest safety benefit. All revenue is invested in traffic safety upgrades in the city, including new sidewalks, crosswalks, Safe Routes to School projects, and more.
The City of Seattle also uses cameras to enforce stopping at red lights; HOV, bike and bus lane infractions; and obstructing traffic or “blocking the box.”
Here’s a list of where new School Zone Safety Cameras will be located: