SPOKANE — Speed cameras in Spokane school zones are generating less revenue this year as drivers slow down in response to the enforcement technology, city officials say.
The cameras operate in eight school zones across the city and typically generate more than $2 million annually. However, the city reports coming in under budget this year, making $400,000 less than what it has estimated, as fewer drivers receive speeding tickets.
“We are seeing that driver behavior is improving in school zones, which is great. That’s the whole point,” said Erin Hut, a city official. “So, you know, we’re seeing a little bit of a revenue drop. But that means that it’s working.”
The cameras issue tickets to drivers traveling faster than 20 mph during school hours. Locations include areas near Ferris High School on Regal Street and Longfellow Elementary School on Nevada Street.
“We’re trying to put those cameras in areas where we’re seeing kind of, dangerous activities so that we can improve driver behavior,” Hut said.
Revenue from speed camera tickets funds additional traffic calming measures throughout the city. While speed camera revenue has declined, income from photo red light cameras is offsetting the difference.
“It’s not anything that we’re shocked by. It’s actually the purpose and the goal. So we’ve anticipated that,” Hut said. “And over the years, we’ve been able to see a healthy reserve balance in that fund.”
The current cameras will be deactivated when school ends for summer break.
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