Seattle seeks ‘Block the Box’ camera enforcement
Dec 17, 2018, 3:36 PM | Updated: 3:39 pm
It's not uncommon to see cars blocking the box in downtown Seattle. (KTTH, Jason Rantz)
(KTTH, Jason Rantz)
The City of Seattle is taking action to keep transit moving. One way they hope to do that is by installing cameras that will catch and ticket drivers who block intersections.
The city has had police do enforcement in the past, especially on Mercer Street. Before the city can begin using cameras to give out tickets to people who “Block the Box,” they need to get permission from the state Legislature.
The enforcement is a priority especially during the “Time of Maximum Constraint,” the next five years when the city will be undergoing major road and construction projects at once.
The viaduct closes Jan. 11 and the new tunnel isn’t scheduled to open for three weeks after that. The bus tunnel closes in March and that will force all buses on to city streets.
Another way the city will help keep buses moving, is by increasing the hours Third Avenue is only open to bus traffic. They’ve also worked with ride-share companies to make sure you can’t hail a ride on Third Avenue. They’re using technology called geo-fencing to keep the apps from allowing pickups on Third Avenue.
By Alison Grande, KIRO 7
