Title
Consider a Referral Regarding Speed Enforcement Cameras
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to add the topic of Speed Enforcement Cameras to the 2026 Community Livability and Public Safety Committee Work Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to add the topic of Speed Enforcement Cameras to the 2026 Community Livability and Public Safety Committee Work Plan.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8441
Presenter(s):
Kelly Green, Councilmember
Background and Analysis:
Recent pedestrian fatalities, statewide traffic data, accident trends, and resident feedback indicate that speeding on city streets is becoming an increasingly serious issue. Speed safety cameras may help reduce speeding in targeted areas, particularly school zones, and serve as a consistent reminder for drivers to follow posted limits in high-pedestrian locations.
Councilmember Green, with support from Councilmembers Cooper and Vanderpool, request, that the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee review available research and discuss the feasibility of implementing speed safety cameras in Olympia. If the Committee finds the concept worthwhile, it is asked to forward a recommendation to the City Council for consideration of adopting speed safety cameras within the City.
Research must keep in mind issues of privacy and potential implications related to our Sanctuary City commitments. Some items to consider should include:
* Potential number and placement of speed safety cameras. Washington law limits determines types and locations of cameras so data would be required to establish likely camera locations.
* Privacy protections and alignment with Sanctuary City values.
* Information security and the city's ability to protect and manage data captured by speed safety cameras.
* Any data that may currently exist (or need to be collected) to clarify the scope and severity of the problem....
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