When we first reported that SDOT rolled out new traffic cameras around Capitol Hill earlier this month, CHS wondered why the Broadway and Roy camera wasn’t included in the online upgrade. The camera image on this post shows the view from the cam at E. Pike and Broadway looking west. Use it to watch for your friends stopping by the Harvard Square QFC or to keep track of who’s on Real Change duty today.
We asked SDOT about the camera, and it turns out that there is a technical issue with it, but it should be turned on by the end of August.
The cameras are part of a federal initiative for a citywide intelligent traffic system, and you can watch them online. Visit the new CHS Traffic Cams page, located under “Maps and Tools.” For a list of all city traffic cams, visit http://web5.seattle.gov/travelers/.
“Currently, we don’t plan to add any more cameras,” said Marybeth Turner at SDOT. “However, as future Intelligent Transportation System opportunities come up, we will try to add more.”
I find it amusing that people get all riled up about “surveillance” cameras, but love “traffic” cameras.
Try calling them spy cams! Not sure people are that riled up about the Cal Anderson cams. City officials privately expressed disappointment to CHS that the community hasn’t been more ‘engaged’ with the Cal Anderson discussion.
“I find it amusing that people get all riled up about “surveillance” cameras, but love “traffic” cameras”
Why? The difference lies in who’s watching, and for what.
You may perceive a difference but there really isn’t much of one.
The people you are concerned about using the surveillance cameras can use the traffic cameras for the same purpose.
Exactly, anyone can view traffic cams, including law enforcement.
Would people feel less uneasy about the Cal Anderson Park cameras if anyone could view them online? Call them webcams/weather cams instead of spy cameras.
I’m not sure what technical issues they’re having with this camera, but it doesn’t seem to be broken.
For the most part, it is pointed down Broadway.
I’ve seen it pointing down Roy one or two times, but for the most part, it seems to watch the bar crowd at Poppy. Much more interesting than traffic for sure.
Yeah, that is not to say that I really support them, so you’re correct.