Hi neighbors,
I’ve now heard from multiple sources that WSDOT — our state’s transportation department — has been advised by the Attorney General’s office to reject all permits for Flock license plate cameras. Employees have reportedly been told to keep an eye out for any cameras already installed on state property, and to have them removed when found.
In other words, WSDOT appears to be drawing a bright line: no Flock cameras in state rights-of-way, no Flock cameras on state facilities like signal or light poles.
If true, this is notable. Even as local councils like ours debate whether to move forward with Flock, the state agency responsible for Washington’s highways — with guidance from the Attorney General — seems to be taking the opposite approach.
Among the proposed Mountlake Terrace camera locations is 236th Street SW at Van Ry Boulevard. That signal is at least operated — if not owned — by WSDOT, since it’s coordinated with the I-5 northbound off-ramp and transit center. If WSDOT is taking a firm stance against cameras on their facilities, it’s worth asking whether a Mountlake Terrace camera there would even be allowed.
For Mountlake Terrace, it raises a simple but serious question: if WSDOT isn’t willing to allow Flock cameras on its roads, why should we be installing them on ours?
Proudly, and without question, anti-fascist,
Dustin
Don’t forget this Thursday’s City Council meeting! We need you to email or show up to comment on Flock. Big decisions are going to be made and your voice needs to be heard. All the details here.