Bellevue Moves to Expand Speed Safety Cameras Across the City

The City of Bellevue is considering new locations for speed safety cameras as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce traffic crashes and improve street safety. Officials have identified 37 potential sites for cameras, which will be presented to the City Council this winter along with proposed changes to city codes to support expanded enforcement.

The locations were chosen using a set of evaluation criteria, and a map of the proposed sites is available online at the Speed Safety Cameras webpage. Residents can also register for two information sessions about the site selection process on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 12–1 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6–7 p.m. Community feedback is encouraged through a brief survey open until Nov. 30.

Earlier this year, Bellevue residents shared their priorities for additional safety cameras through surveys, emails, and conversations with city staff. Common themes included:

• Speeding is a major safety concern, and cameras are seen as an effective tool to reduce it.
• High-priority areas include streets with severe crashes, known street-racing spots, and school zones.
• Cameras must be accurate, effective, and respectful of personal privacy.

The city is finalizing an operations guide for the expanded program, which outlines how the cameras will be managed and how citation revenue will be reinvested in safety improvements. Key principles include:

• Cameras located on streets with the highest crash risks and safety concerns.
• Fines set lower than standard tickets to encourage compliance without creating financial hardship.
• Citywide distribution to ensure no single neighborhood is disproportionately affected.
• A 50% fine reduction for individuals on public assistance or in the Washington WIC program, if requested within 21 days.

Bellevue’s Speed Safety Camera Program began in 2009 as part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. In 2024, the state Legislature authorized local governments to install automated speed enforcement cameras not only in school zones, but also in hospital zones, public parks, school walk areas, and high-crash corridors.

“Speed remains a top contributing factor in serious and fatal collisions,” said Andrew Singelakis, Bellevue’s Transportation Director. “By identifying strategic locations for speed safety cameras, we’re taking a proactive step to protect people walking, biking, and driving in Bellevue.”

If the City Council approves the program in December, the city could begin phased installation of a limited number of cameras in mid-2026. This phased approach will allow officials to evaluate effectiveness, raise public awareness, and ensure operational capacity.

Before any cameras are active, Bellevue will launch a public awareness campaign, host additional community engagement events, and provide a minimum 30-day warning period before issuing citations.