Beware drivers; you could see more red light cameras in the state in the near future. That's because of a new law on the books in Washington State.

THE CAMERAS CAN NOW BE INSTALLED IN MORE AREAS

According to The Center Square the new law allows cities and counties to operate the cameras in more areas to catch drivers and slow traffic. Lawmakers passed House Bill 2384 in the last legislative session and it allows cities and counties to place the cameras near crosswalks and on the front of transit buses to catch people who speed in crosswalks and those who use transit-only lanes to get around other traffic.

MANY DRIVERS WERE KILLED IN WA STATE IN 2023

Officials at the Washington Traffic Safety Commission 810 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2023 on Washington roads which is the highest number since 1990.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Brandy Donaghy, a Democrat from Everett who says the cameras can be a deterrent to drivers who don't obey traffic laws.

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THE BILL PASSED WITH NO REPUBLICAN VOTING IN FAVOR

Republicans didn't support the bill saying they disagreed with several parts of the law including the ability of cities and counties to reduce penalties for low-income violators.
Many city officials like those in Yakima have rejected red light cameras.

THE CITY OF YAKIMA LOOKED AT THE CAMERAS IN 2021

In 2021 the Yakima Police Department made a presentation to the city about installing Red Light cameras to help reduce speeding and crashes. The city considered the cameras but found them to be a costly investment. Yakima Police say at this point there's no plan to purchase and install Red Light cameras in Yakima. But authorities are looking for answers to prevent fatal crashes.

JUST TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THE CITY OF YAKIMA

Yakima officials say the cameras could bring in annual revenue of $200,000 in citations. But the high costs of installing and operating the cameras are the main reason why the city of Yakima has rejected the cameras and isn't planning on installing them in the future.

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Gallery Credit: Charlotte Barnett

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