City expects millions from school speed cameras

An estimated $14.8 million will be generated by speed cameras near Seattle public schools, and the cameras have generated more money than expected since their installation near four schools last November.

Mayor Mike McGinn's staff said between December 2012 and April 2013, citations at those locations fell by 16 percent overall.

That -- and the money -- led the city to make plans for 15 school zone speed cameras to be installed by the end of 2014. McGinn said Revenues from these cameras will be used to fund safety improvements and road safety education efforts near schools, including sidewalks, improved street crossings and traffic calming designs.

This effort is part of the School Road Safety Initiative launched in early 2013. Seattle Department of Transportation Director Peter Hahn praised the school cameras for providing money for improvements.

"Parents are less likely to allow their children to walk to school if the neighborhood lacks sidewalks or crossings that feel safe," Lisa Quinn, executive director of Feet First, said in a statement distributed by McGinn's office. "This substantial road safety investment supports walking routes to school, safety education, school zone traffic enforcement, and more. Together, these improvements make the healthy choice the easy choice."

A School Road Safety Plan is scheduled to be completed in 2014.

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