Thursday, October 1, 2026
In a move to address rising pedestrian safety concerns, Olympia City Council member Kelly Green has proposed a study of the potential use of automated speed safety cameras as a tool to reduce traffic fatalities.
Green introduced a referral during a special council meeting on Monday, Nov. 10. It would task the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee to investigate the feasibility of speed safety cameras.
She said the idea stemmed from ongoing community concerns about speeding and traffic safety throughout Olympia.
“The community has talked to us about the realities of pedestrian fatalities and traffic safety in town," Green said.
While recognizing the city has done work to find ways to improve roads and use of traffic diversion methods, Green said she felt there are still “pieces we have not explored.”
Green cited data from nearby cities that use speed cameras, 90% of drivers who get a ticket for a violation do not reoffend.
“That, for me, is the clear fact that it helps," she said.
Green acknowledged the proposal raises sensitive issues around data privacy and security, particularly given ongoing local discussions about surveillance technology.
Green also asked that the public safety committee's research should include whether such a program aligns with Olympia’s sanctuary city commitments.
Council member Robert Vanderpool expressed support for exploring the idea, emphasizing that transparency and data protection must be part of the conversation.
“I’d like us to be able to have a conversation with the public, knowing what companies we might go with because of the current Flock situation,” said Vanderpool, referring to community concerns about data collected through automated license plate readers. “I’m excited to move forward, as long as we are meeting both safety and privacy needs.”
Mayor Dontae Payne agreed that privacy concerns are valid, but noted speed safety cameras are already in place in other Washington cities without reported misuse of personal data.
“There is no evidence to suggest that this technology has been problematic in that way in our state," he said.
Mayor Pro Tem Yen Huynh also voiced interest in learning more about how cameras might supplement law enforcement and improve safety in problem areas.
Vanderpool added that Olympia School District officials are also examining speed safety cameras as a possible strategy for protecting students near school zones. He said collaboration with the district could strengthen both neighborhood and school-area safety efforts.
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JW
Oh good, let's blow more cash on another study.
Not sure how this will fly with the current push to get rid of Flock cameras because of ICE, or something.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Report this
Callie
I live near a high school, and in June the teen driving can be exuberant - I definitely want a speed safety camera.
I did get a fine from Texas that had a partial picture of a plate with three of numbers like mine. I wrote and explained that I had never been driving in Texas, and the matter was closed.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Report this
HappyOlympian
Not a fan of cameras overall, but support it when it comes to this issue. Outside of Oregon, Thurston County drivers might be the worst. Anything to get folks to slowdown probably a good idea.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 Report this
Southsoundguy
Dumb idea.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 Report this
CommonScense
Speed safety cameras do work to slow speeds down or diminish the number of drivers running stop lights.
It is sad that folks buzz past North Thurston High School everyday
an average (in my opinion) of ten miles over the posted speed limit.
If you drive the posted speed limit of 25 you get tailgated or other obnoxious
behavior.
People are in too much of a hurry in their lives and it is reflected in their
driving speeds everywhere. With wet roads now, stopping distances are longer,
all the more reason not to exceed the speed limit.
There has to be some way to keep ICE from hacking the system to use it to their advantage
if such cameras are installed. Laws exist that make such action illegal but that does not stop ICE. I believe it was the city of Redmond that recently turned their cameras off given ICE had hacked their system and was using it for their purposes. This isn't the first city
they have hacked the system in.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 Report this
Wesley
I'm one of the speeders on Capitol Way. 40 mph minimum between Union and Custer. Come and get me.
Friday, November 14, 2025 Report this
KarenM
Wesley I am sorry that you think reducing your drive time by a few seconds is so important that you are willing to risk the lives of others. Speed kills. At 40 mph a person hit by a car is going to be dead or very seriously injured. Slower speeds mean there is a chance of survival. People who are driving and people who are walking make mistakes. I don't want one mistake to end up killing or maiming someone. I drive the speed limit.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 Report this
Wesley
KarenM you think I'm in a hurry? #LOL #OMG. I've got no appointments. That's just how I get to and from the Costco fuel station! I enjoy it.
Sunday, November 16, 2025 Report this
Wesley
Thurston County drivers are "the worst" because eight times out of ten a pair of Lezbarus are two abreast on a two lane road going 25 M.P.H. on the dot with no chance to pass them. Self-appointed grand marshals of their own two column parade.
Sunday, November 16, 2025 Report this