The article, “City to add school zone speed cameras at two more sites” (Kent Reporter, July 31), brought to mind a very disturbing experience I had regarding the speed zone cameras at Sunrise Elementary School.
Shortly after the cameras were installed, I received a citation for going 35 mph in a 20-mph school zone. I noted that the cameras approaching the school zone from the north are set several feet before the flashing warning lights and are located about two blocks before you reach the school. I always slow down when going through a school zone and was traveling within the 20-mph limit well before I reached the school.
The cameras are set to pick up your speed for assessing the fine at the entry point without regard for your speed through the rest of the school zone.
I live in Renton, and there is a distinct difference in Renton’s approach from that used in Kent. In Renton the cameras are set at the school, not the entry point. For example, had I been traveling through the Talbot Hill Elementary School speed zone I would not have received a citation.
Assessing the fine based on speed at the entry point, two blocks before the school, and ignoring speed through the rest of the school zone makes no sense.
Clearly, Kent’s approach is all about money, not about school safety.
– James Lowndes
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