Shoreline council approves Meridian Park Speed Cameras
In a 6-1 vote at the Monday, March 30 meeting, the Shoreline City Council authorized the city's first automated school zone speed cameras at Meridian Park Elementary.
Last year, a city report found 1,031 speeders on average school days while children were coming and going to Meridian Park and the 20 mph speed zone lights were flashing. Alarmingly, 59% of those drivers sped by Meridian Park at over 30 mph while children were arriving and leaving school.
But, while neighboring cities of Edmonds, Lynnwood, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and Seattle all have implemented school zone cameras, Shoreline has not.
City staff recommended a $130 base fine for speeders caught going above 24 mph with a $260 fine for speeders above 33 mph.
But the council voted 4-3 to lower fines to $50 for speeders going between 24 and 30 mph in the 20-mph school zone.
City staff estimated that each ticket would cost roughly $119 per infraction after accounting for operating costs, including vendor fees and court processing.
Staff warned the lower fines could result in a budget deficit, potentially requiring the city to subsidize the program with General Fund dollars.
Under state law, any revenue exceeding operating costs must be spent on traffic safety projects.
Under state law, fines must be cut by 50% for low-income speeders receiving public assistance.
Councilmember Keith Scully was the sole dissenting vote on the ordinance, and said the fines would disproportionately impact low-income drivers. Instead, he called on the city police department to step up traffic patrols at the school (his complete comments are available online).
The cameras are expected to be installed by the end of 2026, with tickets beginning in early 2027.