City Launches Speed Camera Program
March 9, 2009 – To increase pedestrian and vehicle safety in Issaquah, the City is launching a new “photo enforcement program” aimed at reducing speed violations along Second Avenue Southeast, which is in close proximity to four local schools.
The cameras – which will operate during school days from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. – will monitor both directions of traffic along Second Avenue Southeast near Issaquah High School. Only vehicles that exceed the school zone’s speed limit of 20 mph will be photographed and videotaped.
Before infractions are mailed to the registered owners of speeding vehicles, the Issaquah Police Department will review and confirm each violation. Starting the week of March 16, the City will begin to issue warnings, but not infractions. However, after the warning period ends the week of April 13, violators will then start to receive fines of $124.
The cameras will only capture images of the rear of the offending vehicle and license plate. The City is also installing signs along the roadway to notify drivers of the cameras.
Speeding is related to almost one third of all fatal crashes, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.
“Our top goal is to increase safety – for both pedestrians and drivers – in an area heavily populated by students,” said Issaquah Police Chief Paul Ayers. “These cameras will help us reduce speeding near four local schools without draining our community’s enforcement resources.”
The infraction is a non-criminal offense that, like a parking ticket, is not part of the violator’s driving record. Those who receive an infraction have the option of paying the fine in full, requesting a hearing or submitting a “declaration of non-responsibility.”
Violators may view photos and video of the incident at http://www.violationinfo.com/.
For a Q&A on the cameras, go to www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/cameras.
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