Gee and Ursula shift stance on Seattle speed cameras: ‘I’m OK with the expansion’

Seattle may soon double its school zone speed cameras. Currently, speed zone cameras are in place outside 19 schools. A new proposal calls for adding 37 cameras at 19 more schools and spending more than $1 million to install speed cameras outside school zones as well.

Critics argue the cameras are costly and function more as surveillance than safety, adding they will over-enforce communities of color. However, Gee Scott, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, supports the new cameras.

“The only time drivers pay attention…is when there are cameras,” Gee said.

City split over expansion of speed zone cameras

Opponents question the fairness of issuing $186 tickets for minor infractions, especially when alternative traffic calming measures like speed bumps, roundabouts, or stop signs could be more cost-effective and less invasive.

However, co-host of “Gee and Ursula,” Ursula Reutin, agrees with Gee that more cameras would lead to safer neighborhoods.

“If you’d asked me this question five years ago or 10 years ago, I would have said no,” Ursula said. “But given what we’re seeing lately, I’m OK with the expansion.”

Listen to the full conversation below: 

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.