Children will be heading back to school next Monday, August 30th. Please remember to drive safely when traveling through school zones.  The City of Bellevue's school zone photo enforcement cameras will be reactivated on Monday. The program was shut down during the summer months.

Cameras will operate during school hours and will monitor the west bound direction of travel at the following locations:

NE 8th Street and 143rd Avenue NE, Stevenson Elementary School
SE 8th Street and 143rd Place SE, Lake Hills Elementary School

The photo enforcement program has monitored school zones for one year in Bellevue. Initial indications show that drivers are modifying their driving behaviors and are slowing down in school zones.  "The intent of this program is to alert drivers to the school zones, reduce speeds, and increase safety", stated Major John Manning.

The City selected the location of the cameras based on a history of violations and proximity to two schools. In March 2009, the City passed local ordinance 5868 allowing automated photo enforcement cameras.

The City contracts with American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS) to administer its photo enforcement program. The Bellevue Police Department reviews and approves each violation prior to issuing infractions.  The system's speed detection technology has been synchronized with the flashing school zone lights to capture images of every vehicle exceeding the school zone speed limit. The fixed-speed site is posted with photo enforcement signs, giving drivers ample warning of the speed cameras and up to 150 feet to slow down.

Safety Tips:
Slow down in school zones!
Pay attention while driving.  Don’t be distracted by electronic devices, cell phones or IPods.
Yield the right away to pedestrians.
Remember to be aware of your surroundings while turning or changing lanes.
Stop completely at all intersections.
Pedestrians should use crosswalks and cross with the crossing sign.

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