Seattle is moving ahead with new 24/7 speed safety cameras on some of the city’s most dangerous streets.
The cameras are expected to be turned on in the second half of 2027 and will be the first phase of up to 10 new camera locations planned through early 2029. The effort is part of Mayor Katie B. Wilson’s push to strengthen Seattle’s Vision Zero work and reduce serious injuries and traffic deaths.
The first four locations are:
- Rainier Ave S: Between S Holgate St and S Jackson St
- E Marginal Way S: Between S Fidalgo St and Diagonal Ave S
- Rainier Ave S: Between S Norfolk St and 51st Ave S
- Sand Point Way NE: Between NE 74th St and Matthews Ave NE
The specific blocks for the cameras will be selected as designs move forward. You can see a map of the locations below:
SDOT says the locations were chosen using crash, speeding, pedestrian, biking and equity data. About 15% of drivers in these four areas were found to be traveling at least 10 mph over the speed limit.
Speed is a major factor in serious crashes. According to SDOT, someone hit by a driver traveling 30 mph is about twice as likely to be killed as someone hit at 25 mph. The city also says crashes have been cut in half in places where safety cameras have been used.
The new cameras will work around the clock, unlike Seattle’s school-zone cameras, which operate during designated times. Signs will be posted at least 30 days before enforcement begins, and the cameras will issue warnings during their first 30 days.
As far as privacy concerns, Seattle says camera footage will only be used to verify speeding violations and will not be connected to other city camera systems or shared with other law enforcement agencies.
Revenue from tickets will go toward transportation safety projects, including sidewalks, crosswalks and flashing beacons. SDOT also plans to track the cameras’ results and publish an annual report on their effectiveness.
