SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5707
As of January 18, 2022
Title: An act relating to extending additional uses for automated traffic safety cameras for traffic congestion reduction and increased safety.
Brief Description: Extending additional uses for automated traffic safety cameras for traffic congestion reduction and increased safety.
Sponsors: Senators Salda?a, Pedersen and Nguyen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/18/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Extends to 2025, the recently enacted automated traffic safety camera pilot program in Seattle for detecting certain stopping and restricted lane violations.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background:

In 2020, the Legislature authorized a pilot program regarding the use of automated traffic safety cameras to detect certain stopping and restricted lane violations within cities with a population of greater than 500,000—currently the city of Seattle.  Specifically, the pilot program authorizes the cameras to detect one or more of the following violations in certain locations:

  • stopping when traffic obstructed violations;
  • stopping at intersection or crosswalk violations;
  • public transportation only lane violations; and
  • stopping or traveling in restricted lane violations.

 

After expenses, 50 percent of the revenue generated from the pilot program must be deposited in the state Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety account to be used for bicycle, pedestrian, and nonmotorist safety improvement projects administered by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.  The other 50 percent of revenue generated must be used by the city only for improvements to transportation that support equitable access and mobility for persons with disabilities.    

 

The pilot program expires in 2023.
Summary of Bill:

The automated traffic safety camera pilot program for detecting certain stopping and restricted lane violations is extended to 2025.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO:  Using automated traffic safety cameras helps badge officers to respond to higher priorities.  This pilot program should be extended to get more data for future policy development.  The COVID pandemic delayed the start of the pilot program—it has just recently started.  Traffic safety cameras are changing behaviors.  Using traffic safety cameras provides a more equitable law enforcement response by removing officer discretion.  The cameras were very helpful in enforcing traffic laws during the West Seattle Bridge lane restrictions.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Prime Sponsor; Bryce Yadon, Transportation Choices Coalition; Adrian Diaz, City of Seattle; Venu Nemani, Seattle Department of Transportation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.