SEATTLE: Two new speed cameras have been installed in Washington State in the US to detect speeding.
But instead of issuing tickets and fining offenders, the authorities are sending them a simple warning message, or 'courtesy notice.'
Since April, the US State of Washington has been testing a novel system of "educational" speed cameras on some of its highways, namely Interstate 5 in Skagit County and Interstate 90 near Liberty Lake.
What makes these speed cameras unique is that motorists who get flashed exceeding the speed limit are not ticketed.
Instead, they receive a letter informing them of the offense they have committed and the potential cost of a fine they would have had to pay, ranging from $135 to $432.
Moreover, these offenses are neither recorded nor passed on to insurance companies.
The locations of these first two speed cameras were not chosen at random, but based on accident data, targeting areas where speed has already been a major factor in serious or fatal collisions.
In just a few weeks, over 8,000 drivers have already received this type of warning letter.
This pilot program is being implemented by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Its aim is to make drivers aware of the dangers of excessive speed and encourage safer behavior on the roads.
Indeed, speeding is often the cause of tragic accidents.
In 2023, the state recorded 810 deaths on the roads, and there were 358 fatal or serious injury crashes where speeding was cited as a factor on state-run highways.
The program is due to run until the end of June 2025, at which point WSDOT will analyze the data collected and public feedback to decide whether it should be continued.
At the same time, Washington State is increasing the number of speed cameras in active road construction work zones.
Fines of up to $248 for repeated violations are levied there, after an initial "warning" incurring no charge.
