Bellevue speed safety cameras vandalized

Four of the eight new speed safety cameras recently installed in Bellevue were vandalized on the night of August 24. The damage included gray spray paint being applied to all four units, with two cameras suffering crushed lenses. The affected equipment is located at 148th Avenue Northeast and Forest Drive Southeast.

The Bellevue Police Department has increased patrols around the camera sites while investigating the incidents. Currently, investigators have no suspect descriptions, leads, or established motives. The city's vendor, Verra Mobility, is responsible for repairing and replacing the damaged equipment under its contract with the city.

The vandalism follows the city's decision to lower local street speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph. The camera program, which aims to reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes, includes a one-month warning period before $124 citations are issued. The city plans to expand the program this fall to include Bellevue Way Southeast and 116th Avenue Northeast.