Approved legislation reserves privacy protections while advancing Vision Zero safety goals

City Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), Chair of the Transportation Committee, celebrates passage of legislation he sponsored,  by an 8-0 Council vote, that expands the use of automated traffic safety cameras in the city. The bill establishes additional uses for traffic cameras to increase safety, creates a new Automated Traffic Camera Fund, and authorizes camera revenues to be used for traffic safety and Vision Zero programs. 

“Increasing the use of traffic cameras in and outside of school zones is an essential tool for protecting all travelers – pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and bus riders alike,” said Councilmember Saka. “By seeking to put cameras where speeding is known to happen – such as along Alki and Harbor Avenue – they can help strengthen public safety in neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by dangerous street racing. And as an added benefit of our bold new investment, authorized revenue from traffic cameras can be used to address our missing and broken sidewalk network across the city.” 

“Public safety has long been a top priority of this council – whether it’s investing in police hiring, regulating after-hours establishments, or enhancing road safety, “said Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9). “Expanding traffic safety cameras is another step to add to the city’s public safety ecosystem to ensure the safety of all who live, work or visit in Seattle.” 

Background  

Traffic safety enforcement cameras have proven to be an effective tool in both Seattle and nationwide in reducing speeding and crashes – often serious or fatal – that result from higher speeds. Additionally, camera revenues will allow the City to further improve safety, especially to the most vulnerable travelers, through improving pedestrian infrastructure and engineering changes in the right-of way that encourage safer driver behavior and improve access for people with disabilities.   

What the legislation does  

The legislation expands the use of automated traffic safety cameras in the city, restricts public disclosure of camera data, adds privacy and notification requirements, and changes Seattle Municipal Code regarding automated traffic camera use to align with changes in state law that went into effect in June of 2024. Councilmember Saka’s added amendment also modifies financial policies to require that 70% of automated traffic camera revenue go towards the General Fund, and that at least 15% of the remaining 30% go towards new sidewalks and sidewalk repair. 

What’s next 

The legislation moves to the Mayor’s Office and takes effect 30 days after his signature. 

Additional Quotes  

“This is a meaningful step forward toward a safer Alki for everyone. Our neighborhood has long faced dangerous speeding, reckless driving, and street racing—especially near parks and along Alki and Harbor Avenues—leading to serious injury crashes and countless close calls. These streets aren’t just ways to get through the neighborhood; they’re where families walk, kids play, and visitors from across the city and beyond come to enjoy the beach. The introduction of traffic safety cameras will help protect residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and visitors alike. Alki is grateful for Councilmember Saka’s leadership and the collaborative efforts with SDOT and the City Council in listening to our community and taking decisive action.”
–Charlotte Starck, President, Alki Community Council

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