CSS 2021-07-19 Item 1B - Update - School Speed Zone Cameras

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TO: FROM: BY: City of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM Community Services and Safety Committee Eric Dreyer, Chief of Police Bill Devlin, Traffic Sergeant CC: Mayor Allan Ekberg DATE: 07/13/2021 SUBJECT: Update on School Speed Zone Cameras ISSUE To provide an update regarding the School Speed Zone Cameras Systems. BACKGROUND The School Speed Zone Camera pilot project approved and signed with NovoaGlobal in September of 2020 will be operational September of 2021. The camera system is in the 4500 block of S. 144th Street, and the Beacons and additional signage will be in place by the start of the school year. The month of September will be the "warning period" and October 1, 2021, will be the go -live date where violations will be issued. DISCUSSION After looking at the data collected from the radar speed signs in the 14200 block of 42nd Ave S., it indicates as much or more vehicle speeding and potential danger to students than on S 144th Street. A considerable volume of students cross 42nd Ave S, to the apartments to the west of the school, and the west of Tukwila International Blvd. Additionally, there is concern that traffic will use 42nd Ave S. to circumvent the current camera system on S. 144th Street. FINANCIAL IMPACT To add two additional camera systems, would cost six thousand dollars, however the program is cost neutral and paid for by revenue generated by the violations. There is no out of pocket cost. There will be additional time/labor in the approving and processing of the citations by police and court staff. Staff is bringing a resolution relating to traffic camera proceeds to the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in August. In 2020, the City Council made it clear that any revenue beyond the cost of the camera program should be directed to school zone safety improvements and traffic education. RECOMMENDATION Information Only. 29