Four of the eight new speed safety cameras installed in Bellevue last week were vandalized over the weekend on 148th Avenue Northeast and Forest Drive Southeast.
The Bellevue Police Department is investigating the vandalism and urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
The cameras were set up in four locations known for excessive speeding, positioned near parks, hospitals, and school walk zones.
Jennifer Cook, a representative with the Bellevue Transportation Department, noted that the speed safety program addresses a primary concern among residents.
“Speed is on the minds of our residents; it’s our number one concern we hear from our residents,” Cook said, adding that the devices target areas “where we see the most crashes, the most serious crashes happen and the most injuries happen.”
Vandals struck four of the cameras Sunday night, crushing the lenses on two devices and spray-painting all four. The most extensive damage occurred to two cameras located on 148th Avenue Northeast, while two other damaged cameras are situated on Forest Drive Southeast.
Camera vendor Verra Mobility is covering all repair costs and replacing the damaged equipment.
“Two of them had the camera lenses crushed, and all four of them were spray-painted,” Cook said. “They’re already working on replacing everything and getting them up and going again.”
Warning signs are posted near the enforcement areas to alert motorists. Cook emphasized that Bellevue does not use Flock cameras.
“These cameras capture an image of the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is violating the speed limit… it takes a picture of the license plate… it documents the time and location of the violation… it does not capture any images from the front of the vehicle where you see a driver or passenger,” Cook said.
Drivers currently have a month-long warning period before citations officially begin in the third week of September.
A standard traffic infraction fine is $124, which doubles for infractions occurring in designated school zones.
Four additional camera locations are scheduled for installation by the end of September.