Two new elementary schools to have speeding cameras in Spokane

Jack Ferris by Jack Ferris

It’s easy to complain about a speeding ticket, especially when it comes from a camera on a busy street during rush hour. However – a couple hundred bucks is a small price to pay to prevent a tragedy.

“The reason why the speed limit is 20 MPH in our school zones is because when you go up in 5 mile an hour increments, the higher you go, the more likely you are to have a fatality crash with a pedestrian,” explained Spokane Police Officer Teresa Fuller. “At 40 MPH, that likelihood is over 90%.”

Oftentimes – kids that live close to school are not walking with a parent.

“If there’s older siblings,” shrugged Willard Principal Matt Truitt, “you can have a 2nd grader walking a kindergartener to school.”

Matt Truitt has been the boss at Willard for five years – and has seen and heard his fair share of close calls.

“We’re glad they’re doing this, I have crossing guards every year who almost get hit, uh, so we’re hoping this keeps everybody slowing down.”

The signs are set to be put up on Maple (near Ridgeview) and Monroe (near Willard). Speed in those school zones during the wrong hours, and be prepared to pay the price:

School zone tickets:

1-5 MPH over: $214

6-10 MPH over: $234

11-15 MPH over: $296

16-20 MPH over: $378

21+ MPH over: $450

The new cameras are expected to be up just after winter break.

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