11.16.020 Authorized use of automated traffic safety cameras and restrictions.
A. Consistent with the authority granted in RCW 46.63.170, law enforcement officers of the city of Bellingham and persons commissioned by the chief of police for the city of Bellingham are authorized to use automated traffic cameras and related automated systems to detect one or more of the following: (1) stoplight violations, (2) railroad crossing violations, and (3) school speed zone violations.
B. The use of automated traffic safety cameras is subject to the following restrictions:
1. Use of automated traffic safety cameras is restricted to two-arterial intersections, railroad crossings, and school speed zones only.
2. For stoplight violations, the use of automated traffic safety cameras shall be limited to the following intersections: westbound E. Holly at N. Forest; northbound Ellis St. at Lakeway Drive; northbound Meridian St. at Telegraph Road; southbound Samish Way at 36th St., and northbound 36th St. at Samish Way.
3. For school speed zone violations, the use of automated traffic safety cameras shall be limited to the following locations: Shuksan Middle School on Northwest Ave. between W. Maplewood Ave. and Alderwood Ave., and Roosevelt Elementary on Alabama St. between Michigan St. and Woburn St.
4. Automated traffic safety cameras may only take pictures of the vehicle and vehicle license plate and only while an infraction is occurring. Pictures taken by automated traffic safety cameras may not reveal the face of the driver or the passengers in the vehicle.
C. The city shall clearly mark all locations where automated traffic safety cameras are in use by placing signs in locations that clearly indicate to a driver that he or she is entering a zone where traffic laws are enforced by an automated traffic safety camera.
D. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all photographs, microphotographs, or electronic images prepared under this chapter are for the exclusive use of law enforcement in the discharge of duties under this chapter and are not open to the public and may not be used in court in a pending action or proceeding unless the action or proceeding relates to a violation under this chapter. No photograph, microphotograph, or electric image may be used for any purpose other than enforcement of violations under this chapter nor retained longer than necessary to enforce this section. [Ord. 2010-12-064].