Four newly installed speed cameras in Bellevue were spray-painted and damaged days after they were put in place, delaying the city’s effort to curb speeding in
Four newly installed speed cameras in Bellevue were spray-painted and damaged days after they were put in place, delaying the city’s effort to curb speeding in areas where serious and fatal crashes occur.
Bellevue police said they have no leads, suspect descriptions or known motive in the vandalism.
Photos released by the department show gray spray paint covering the cameras. Two cameras on Forest Drive Southeast between 54th Place and Coal Creek Parkway have been cleaned, and one is operating again, city spokeswoman Jennifer Cook said.
The camera will issue warnings to speeding drivers during a monthlong grace period before citations begin.
The most extensive damage was reported to two cameras on 148th Avenue Northeast near Northeast 11th Place. The cameras were installed near a neighborhood where drivers are often seen traveling well over the 35 mph speed limit, resident Madhavi Grandhi said.
“The reason they put the safety cameras [is] so people are conscious to slow down and be mindful of the community,” Grandhi told KOMO News.
Covers and camera parts at the damaged locations will need to be replaced by Verra Mobility under its contract with the city. Officials did not disclose the cost. Cook said the city remains committed to the program despite the setback.
“It is disappointing that we have to delay a little bit, but we will get them all up and running,” Cook said.
The city said the cameras capture only the rear of a vehicle, not the people inside. Cook said the system documents the date, time and location of an infraction.
Police plan to increase patrols near the cameras to prevent similar vandalism. Bellevue remains on track to install six additional cameras from Verra Mobility at three other locations this fall.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bellevue police’s nonemergency line at 425-577-5656.
