It seems nonsensical to have an “End School Zone” sign followed so closely by a photo-enforced school zone camera, as shown in this image from southbound Union Ave NE.

When I was on City Council I used to let Public Works know when I saw confusing signage, and I’m not going to stop doing it now.  The arrangement on southbound Union Ave NE that puts an “End School Zone” sign right before a school zone with a speed camera seems like a definite mixed-message.

Any motorist trying to accelerate to the posted speed limit of 30 MPH in this gap will have to immediately hit the brakes to avoid a ticket.  And they’ll make these speed changes passing through the intersection with NE 10th Street, where their variable speed will be confusing for drivers turning onto Union.

Every sign diverts drivers eyes and attention from the road for a second or two, which is enough time to travel 20 or 30 feet at the posted speed limit. Diverting drivers’ attention from the road, and making it confusing, is especially undesirable in areas around schools.

In short, it seems like it would be a good idea to merge the two school zones.

This confusing signage could be a result of an Arizona contractor, American Traffic Solutions. They install and operate Renton’s speed and red-light cameras, in exchange for a cut of the revenue from traffic fines.  Even if they are the ones that engineered this, the City of Renton should take a look at it, and see if the configuration really makes sense.

(I’ve spurred other fixes to photo enforcement cameras, like this one at McKnight Middle School. )

The “End School Zone” sign is posted right before the intersection with NE 10th Street. Half a block further south the school zone camera tickets drivers for not observing the Honey Dew school zone.