Seattle planning 19 new school safety zone cameras to nail speeders in 2025

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is moving forward with a plan to install 19 new school safety zone cameras aimed at curbing speeding near schools. This initiative is informed by the city’s Composite Racial and Social Equity Index, which has determined that no new cameras will be placed in the Capitol Hill area due to its low ranking. Mayor Bruce Harrell has included funding for this expansion in his 2025 budget proposal, which seeks to double the number of existing cameras. Currently, a camera near Montlake Elementary issues nearly 10,000 tickets annually, underscoring the need for enhanced traffic enforcement. The initiative comes amid rising concerns about school safety following recent gun violence incidents, including shootings near Garfield High School.

To address these issues, the city has also proposed hiring additional private security personnel. If approved, the new camera installations will be executed in two phases, with the first expected to be operational by mid-2025. This comprehensive approach reflects Seattle's commitment to promoting safety and equity in its neighborhoods.