If you look up walking south on Fremont Ave N near N 38th Street, you’ll see a large camera wrapped in plastic on a pole.
According to the Seattle Department of Transportation, the Fremont Ave camera is part of a citywide effort to improve school zone safety. B.F. Day Elementary School is located two blocks north of the camera. A camera is also already functioning near Hamilton Middle School on Wallingford Ave N.
“Helping our youngest residents get to school safely is at the core of our mission at SDOT, and these new school zone safety cameras are an important tool to achieve this goal,” said Venu Nemani, SDOT Chief Safety Officer.
There are already 20 mph signs with flashing beacons north and south of B.F. Day. The camera will only be in use when students are likely to be present in the area.
According to this SDOT blog post, the new cameras will go live in time for school in September and street signs will be installed 30 days prior to activation.
“School zone safety cameras are a proven method to ensure people drive at safe speeds, significantly reducing the risk of a serious crash,” said Ethan Bergerson, SDOT press secretary.
Bergerson also noted that revenue from the speeding tickets will be invested in traffic safety upgrades, like crosswalks and new sidewalks.
UPDATE 3/23: Article edited to reflect Hamilton’s camera is already functioning.