Renton Photo Enforcement Program

Photo Enforcement Speed Camera Citations to begin in September at McKnight Middle School and Renton High School
For more information contact:
Kent Curry, Police Commander, Patrol Services, Renton Police Department 425-430-7555
Preeti Shridhar, Communications Director, 425-630-6569

Starting September 16, 2008, the City of Renton will begin issuing citations to motorists who exceed the speed limit at McKnight Middle School and Renton High School. The city has also installed speed cameras at Talbot Hill Elementary School and a 30-day warning period will begin on September 2, 2008.
The registered owners of the offending cars will receive a notice of infraction in the amount of $124.00 when the speed violation is 6 to 15 miles per hour over the posted school zone speed. If the violation speed exceeds 15 miles per hour the penalty is $250.00. The citations that will be issued to violators at McKnight Middle School and Renton High School following the 30-day warning period that also included testing of the cameras and a training session for law-enforcement officers.
The initial phase of the warning period for McKnight Middle School and Renton High School was in early July, during the summer school program. During this time a total of 1084 warning notices were sent to violators at McKnight Middle School and 897 to violators at Renton High School.
“We continue to provide warning signs to advise motorists about the cameras and encourage responsible driving in our school zones,” said Mayor Denis Law. “As children start school after Labor Day, I urge everyone to slow down.”
In addition to the warning signs currently installed, the city is adding additional signs near the intersections to alert drivers to the school zones and provide ample warning of the speed cameras.
The cameras operate during school hours and capture still photographs and video of every vehicle that exceeds the school zone speed limit. Each fixed speed site is posted with a photo enforcement sign in addition to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control devices approved for school zones.
“As summer ends and we begin the start of a new school year, it is important that we are vigilant in maintaining the safety of our children as they go to and from school,” said Mary Alice Heuschel, Superintendent, Renton School District. “I am pleased to see that the city has installed speed cameras near our schools. This will go a long way in encouraging drivers to slow down and watch out for our children.”
The City of Renton has a contract with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) to provide the photo enforcement program. ATS is installing and maintaining all equipment related to this program and process. If a violation occurs, a notice of infraction will be sent to the vehicle’s owner. Violators may view a 12-second video clip through the website www.ViolationInfo.com, provided by ATS.
Photos are not taken until the law is broken, and the cameras only capture pictures of the rear of the offending vehicle and license plate. These cameras pose no threat to privacy and cut down on vehicles violating speed regulations during school hours.
The registered owner who receives the notice can pay the fine using one of the following methods: online at www.ViolationInfo.com, by mail, by phone using a credit card, or in person at Renton Municipal Court. Violators may also request a hearing on the notice of infraction. More information on these options is available on the web pages of the Renton Police Department or Renton Municipal Court at rentonwa.gov.
“Our goal with this program is for motorists to slow down to the speed limit and pay more attention to the pedestrian traffic around them,” said Mayor Law. We would consider this program a huge success if we did not have to issue any tickets.”
For more information on Renton’s Photo Enforcement Program, visit rentonwa.gov.