Seattle officials remain fully committed to further increase students’ safety with cracking down on speeding drivers

Seattle, Washington – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has proposed a proactive step in the city’s budget proposal for the next two years to improve student safety as the new school year in Seattle is underway. By the end of 2025, the plan—known as the One Seattle Budget—aims to increase the count of traffic safety cameras in school zones across the city. Requiring approval from the Seattle City Council during the autumn budget sessions, this ambitious initiative aims to place cameras in 19 additional school safety zones.

Under the city’s Safe Routes to School program, which has been aggressively enhancing routes for students who walk, ride, or roll to school, this project is part of a larger effort by City of Seattle officials to improve students’ safety. Originally started in 2016, the campaign has installed about 200 roadway and sidewalk improvements surrounding educational buildings, including new sidewalks, crosswalks, and speed cushions.

Credit: Unsplash

Especially in locations used by young pedestrians, speeding has been found to be a major risk factor in many crashes, thus influencing the likelihood and degree of accidents. With penalties gathered pushed back into the Safe Routes to School program to support additional safety measures, the enforcement of speed restrictions through these cameras is not only a preventative but also a corrective one.

Read also: Seattle’s Safe Routes to School program enhances safety near city schools with new traffic measures

How does the camera system work?

Mounted on signs showing the school zone speed limit, which is 20 MPH when children are present, the proposed cameras run connected to yellow flashing lights, also referred to as beacons. Usually during periods of maximum student traffic, these cameras only turn on when the beacons are flashing.

Credit: Getty

Strategic camera placement and phased installation

A thorough study of speeding trends and a focus on fair distribution over school zones guided the selection of new camera sites. This study made sure that the advantages of improved safety precautions are generally and fairly shared by using the Composite Racial and Social Equity Index (RSEI). The first phase of camera installations is expected by mid-2025; the second phase will finish by year’s end.

Read also: Washington is one of the most regulated states nationwide. But that comes at a cost for its residents.

Among other institutions planned for the first phase are West Seattle High School on California Ave SW, Bertschi Elementary School on 10th Ave E, and Rainier Valley Leadership Academy on Rainier Ave S. Every site was selected depending on specific factors including traffic patterns already in place and the success of present speed lowering initiatives.

Next steps and community involvement

These cameras are installed under a careful process that covers final design issues, community outreach to both homeowners and businesses, and actual equipment installation. As these ideas advance, the mayor’s office and city council are eager to keep the public informed and involved.

Read also: Seattle police gets more money by the city council to hire more women, new marketing budget reaches $3.4 million

The urgency and value of these improvements are highlighted by Seattle’s dedication to the Vision Zero target, which seeks to eliminate all traffic deaths and major injuries by 2030. Revised as recently as May 2024, the revised Vision Zero Action Plan paves the way for these and other safety precautions.

Community members are urged to join in the conversation and learn more about the city’s initiatives to safeguard its younger citizens as the plan advances through the city council this autumn. Information sessions and public forums are expected to be scheduled, providing a platform for feedback and engagement from all stakeholders involved.

Read also: Just months after opening, the popular Skyglass skyscraper was sold to a company believed to be associated with Goldman Sachs

Aiming to build a safer, more connected neighborhood for everybody, this project marks a vital step in guaranteeing the safety of Seattle’s youngsters as they commute to and from school.

Credit: Getty

List of planned new cameras near schools in Seattle (Phases 1 and 2)

*Flashing beacon schedules are adjusted for holidays, early release days, summer school, and other events.