Video: I-985 may kill red light cameras

Larger screen

TACOMA, Wash. – Tacoma's city manager says if Initiative 985 passes, the city would be forced to get rid of their red light cameras.

Tacoma's nine traffic cameras are expected to generate $2 million in ticket revenues for each of the next two years.

But city manager Eric Anderson says if I-985 passes, it would take all of that money.

Initiative sponsor Tim Eyman sees it another way.

"Put up all the red light cameras you want," he said. "You can have all the safety you want, but the money you profit from them will now go toward reducing congestion."

I-985 is far ranging. It would put money from camera fines into a state fund, along with 15 percent of new vehicle sales tax revenues, and redirect it toward traffic.

KING

Tacoma's traffic cameras are expected to generate $2 million in ticket revenues for each of the next two years.

It would require cities and counties to synchronize stop lights, open car pool lanes to all traffic (during off peak times), make sure toll revenues aren't spent on other projects, spend more  money to clear blocking accidents and limit money on highway projects reserved for public art.

"We didn't want to raise taxes," Eyman said. "We simply want to tap into revenue sources we're already paying." 

Tacoma's red light cameras do generate extra cash, money used to beef up fire and police coverage.

"That's a decision that needs to be made on the local level, not on a state-wide level," Anderson said.

Lynnwood and Federal Way say their traffic camera programs would continue.