Question: Reader Michelle Riggs called in last week concerned about a glitch in the photo-enforcement school zone near Stewart Middle School in Tacoma. With no warning lights flashing on the school zone sign, she drove past the cameras at 30 mph at 8:30 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. But both times, the cameras flashed.
She’s concerned that she and others may get unwarranted tickets.
Answer: Tacoma Police Department spokesman Mark Fulghum explained that the school had changed its operating hours and adjusted the flashing lights, but hadn’t informed the police to sync up the cameras.
Chances are, motorists going too fast through the zone last week will not get a ticket. “Getting your picture snapped does not necessarily mean you will receive a violation notice,” Fulghum said. “It has to go through a process before a notice is sent out.”
A police officer reviews each photograph to make sure there is a violation.
Fulghum said reviewers were given a heads-up Tuesday when police first heard of the school’s schedule change and they were reminded again Wednesday. He suggested that if someone gets a ticket, he or she should contact Tacoma Municipal Court at 253-591-5357.
More online: To see locations of photo-enforced speed and red light cameras in the South Sound, check out our online map at thenewstribune.com/photoenforced.
Got a question about traffic congestion, construction, spending or other transportation issues? Send it to traffic@thenewstribune.com.
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