'Don't block the box': Seattle to install new traffic cameras to catch drivers blocking crosswalks

New traffic cameras are coming to several busy Seattle intersections to catch drivers illegally blocking crosswalks and driving in bus lanes.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) announced this week that a new photo enforcement pilot program will launch in 2022 to help reduce the blocking of intersections and transit lanes. Drivers will receive a warning letter in the mail for their first violation and will be fined $75 for every subsequent offense.

The cameras come after the state Legislature approved a bill in the 2020 session that authorized the use of traffic cameras for bus lane and other intersection violations to reduce congestion and improve safety. The city already deploys traffic cameras at some red lights and near schools, and most recently installed cameras at the lower Spokane Street bridge to catch unauthorized drivers sneaking onto the swing bridge during the high bridge's closure.

"The cameras will work like photo-enforcement cameras in other parts of Seattle which issue tickets for red light violations or speeding in school safety zones," wrote SDOT in a blog post Monday. "This will mean fewer police officers making in-person traffic stops, so that police can focus on other public safety needs. This also makes enforcement more consistent, objective, and fair."

Cameras will be installed in downtown Seattle, South Lake Union, Belltown, Pioneer Square and State Route 99 at the following locations:

• Aurora Avenue North at Galer Street (Transit Lane)
• 3rd Avenue at James Street (Transit Lane)
• 1st Avenue at Columbia Street (Transit Lane)
• 3rd Avenue and Stewart Street (Transit Lane)
• 4th Avenue at Battery Street (Don’t Block the Box)
• 4th Avenue at Jackson Street (Don’t Block the Box)
• Westlake Avenue North at Valley Street/Roy Street (Don’t Block the Box)
• 5th Avenue at Olive Way (Both Transit Lane and Don’t Block the Box)

The locations were chosen for their "history of problematic and ongoing violations of people blocking the intersection or driving in the transit lane," according to SDOT. For privacy purposes, the newly installed cameras will only capture and record vehicle license plates and not anyone inside the car.

The pilot program is authorized until July 2023. Half of the net revenue collected from the photo enforcement is required by law to go to a Washington Traffic Safety Commission fund.