Speed trap camera could be coming to an intersection near you
06:06 PM PST on Sunday, February 17, 2008
SEATTLE - You're already being watched at several Seattle intersections. Cameras snap pictures of your license plate and send you a $124 ticket if you run a red light.
Now lawmakers want to add speed trap cameras to the mix.
Cameras to catch speeders are already in use in Lakewood, where officials say one camera can issue as many tickets as 25 police officers can.
"Photo cops," as they're called, have proven very lucrative to the cities that have installed them. Seattle brings in more than $1 million in the red light program's first year alone.
It irks drivers like Nate Thompson, who says he's had enough of government looking over his shoulder.
"I think the whole department should work for the Department of Revenue. Call it what it is," he said.
KING
Red light cameras are currently in operation at four Seattle intersections. The city is in the process of expanding that to 22 intersections.
More than 4,000 speed cameras are in use in Great Britain right now, with mixed results. In fact, there has been a recent rash across Britain of angry drivers setting fire to the cameras, as seen in a Youtube video.
Here at home, many believe government ought to be spending tax dollars on other things, but supporters of the cameras say safety is their top priority.
An average of about 25 pedestrians a year are killed by cars in King County alone.
Sen. Ken Jacobsen, (D) Seattle, believes slowing cars down will make a serious impact.
"What I see is saving lives and lifelong injuries. And I don't think we can do too much on that," he said.
The bill passed the state senate on Saturday and still needs to be approved by the house and governor before becoming law. The Seattle City Council would then have to approve it as well.
Red light cameras are currently in operation at four Seattle intersections. The city is in the process of expanding that to 22 intersections.
More Local News
Most Popular Stories
Most E-mailed Stories
KING5.com Feature
| KING5.com on your Web site Put our news, weather, sports and more on your site. Click here... |








