Photo Enforcement Program

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Program Goal

  • Reduce traffic speeds.
  • Increase safety for children, pedestrians, and cyclists in school zones.  
  • Increase safety for all travelers in vehicles.
  • Reduce intersection related collisions.

This program enhances enforcement abilities while freeing up police resources to focus on the mission of promoting traffic safety.

School Zone Photo Enforcement

Speeding is a deadly and costly problem in school zones. A national survey found two-thirds of drivers exceed the posted speed limit in school zones during the 30-minute periods before and after classes. School zone speed safety cameras provide ongoing enforcement presence that changes driver behavior for improved community road safety.

 

Photo enforcement violations do not get applied to ones driving record and they are not recorded by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Similar to a parking ticket, it does not matter who drives the vehicle, it's the registered owner who is responsible for the violation.

Cameras are installed near the following elementary schools and are clearly marked with signs:

  • Neely-O'Brien Elementary School

6300 S 236th St

    • Sunrise Elementary School 

    22300 132nd Ave SE

    • Meridian Elementary School

    25621 140th Ave SE (on SE 256th St)

      • Millennium Elementary School

      11919 SE 270th St (on 124th Ave SE)

      • Meadow Ridge Elementary School

      27710 108th Ave SE

      • Springbrook Elementary School

      20035 100th Ave SE

      Red Light Intersection Photo Enforcement

      Red light cameras at intersections has been shown to reduce serious injury and fatal collisions. Similar to the school zone speed photo enforcement, all possible violations caught on the camera system are reviewed by a traffic officer before a ticket is issued. The following intersections are now equipped with red light photo enforcement:

      • Central Avenue and Smith Street - both northbound and southbound
      • Central Avenue and James Street - both northbound and eastbound
      • Kent Des Moines Road and Pacific Highway South - eastbound (this has two cameras for one approach)
      • 104th Avenue Southeast and SE 256th Street - northbound and eastbound
      • 84th Avenue South and South 212th Street - northbound and southbound
      • SE 240th Street and 104th Avenue Southeast - eastbound and westbound
      • 116th AV SE and SE 240th -  All Directions
      • 68th AV S and S 228th - All Directions Except northbound 
      • 116th AV SE and Kent Kangley Road-All Directions *activates on July 15, 2023
      • 108th Ave SE and SE 208th St. -All Directions *activates on October 1, 2023
      • Washington Ave & Meeker St. -All Directions & lanes. *activates on November 1, 2023

      Each red light photo enforcement intersection has signage announcing the camera enforcement.

      Speed Camera Annual Report

      Washington State law requires cities using automated traffic safety cameras to post an annual report on the number of traffic collisions that occurred at each location where an automated traffic safety camera is located, as well as the number of notices of infraction issued for each camera:

      Red Light Camera Annual Report (through 2023)

      School Zone Camera Annual Report (through 2023)

      If you have any questions about Kent's school zone speed camera program, please contact  Sgt. Dan Butenschoen at 253-856-5823.

      Frequently Asked Questions about School Zones and Red Light Photo Enforcement

      Why has the City implemented a Photo Enforcement Program?
      What criteria is used when setting school zone enforcement standards?
      Are school zone speed safety cameras legal in Washington?
      Can I still turn right at a red light at red light camera intersections?
      I saw the red light camera flash go off as I was making a right hand turn at the red light. Does that mean I got a ticket?
      Were the yellow light times adjusted with the implementation of the red light camera program?
      What company provides the school zone safety camera program in Kent?
      How does the speed camera system work?
      How will I be notified of a violation?
      How much is the school zone speed fine?
      Can I view the pictures and video of the incident?
      Why did I receive this Notice of Infraction?
      How do I know these violations are valid?
      Will this violation appear on my driving record?
      What happens if I do not respond to my notice of infraction?
      How do I pay the fine?
      When is my payment due?
      Can I request a court hearing?
      What do I do if I was no longer the owner of this vehicle, not driving it, or my vehicle was stolen?
      Will this Notice of Infraction affect my driving record?
      What happens if I ignore the Notice of Infraction?
      Will my insurance rates be affected?