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Traffic cameras in unincorporated King County
About the My Commute traffic cameras
Web-based cameras are a traffic management tool that provide real-time traffic information to traffic operators, the media, and the traveling public. Cameras are designed to increase the safety and efficiency of roadways and to inform drivers of adverse conditions such as accidents or congestion. Motorists can visit the My Commute website or the all King County traffic cameras webpage and view real-time video images of traffic conditions in unincorporated King County.
Pre-trip Internet traveler information assists travelers in making mode choices, travel time estimates, and route decisions prior to trip departure. The Traffic Control Center staff monitor the real-time traffic conditions and can intervene quickly to deal with emerging problems. They adjust traffic signal timings, dispatch enforcement personnel and advise motorists. Upon detection of an incident or other disruption to the flow of traffic, the operators in the Traffic Control Center can notify the appropriate authorities to clear the incident. The cameras are a public safety tool and are not intended to identify speeders or enforce traffic laws.
Web-based traffic cameras are a part of the discipline Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and a component of that discipline's subsystem Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS).
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) collect, store, process and distribute information to people for the movement of people and goods. Examples include traveler information, traffic management, emergency management, public transportation management and many others. Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) is the deployment of advanced traffic sensors and surveillance systems along with real time traffic management and control to increase the movement of traffic along arterials.
Frequently asked questions
We do not regularly record our camera feeds for archiving. No tapes will be kept. We only occasionally record video images for traffic studies and exceptional circumstances.
The camera is set in the home position. This is the position used most frequently by the staff in the traffic control center. We have a typical morning scheme and afternoon scheme which automatically sends all cameras to pre-set directions. Generally speaking, these automatic settings keep the cameras pointed so that the heaviest traffic flow is oncoming or heading toward the camera. When there is no incident to monitor, the cameras are usually zoomed out and pointing in peak flow traffic direction. The cameras can be rotated 360 degrees as well as zoomed, panned and tilted.
The cameras are connected by a Category 5 cable to the remote server located out in the field. The remote server transmits the images from the camera to an image server by means of an ISDN or DSL phone line using standard Internet Protocol. The image server then transmits the images to the web server. The end user is then able to view the images by logging on to the website.
You need an Internet-ready device and you need a web browser. No other hardware/software is required because all the necessary software tools are downloaded to your browser or viewing device.
Camera images should update automatically. Variable refresh rates depend on end-user's connection speed and connection out in the field. If your browser does not support the refresh function, you can manually update the image by selecting one of the refresh rate buttons below the image.
The cameras are not able to read vehicle license plates and do not have sensors to detect traffic speeds. Cameras are strictly for traffic management use only, not for law enforcement.
Some of the benefits of the video cameras include:
- Congestion management/operations optimization — Real-time monitoring of congestion at intersections and along corridors.
- Technicians can manually modify timing plans to relieve congestion resulting from isolated events.
- Engineers can modify timing plans to meet traffic demand.
- Reduction in travel time delay.
- Operation/safety — Real-time monitoring, vehicle and non-motorized conflict monitoring.
- Transit corridor monitoring.
- Traveler information
- Citizens can see traffic conditions before setting out on trips to work, to home, to shopping, etc.
- Website access also available to media for reporting traffic conditions.
- Incident management
- Report events as necessary to police, fire, and rescue
- Emergency dispatch route vehicles around or to an incident
- Road maintenance:
- Efficiently dispatch maintenance staff during storm related events
My Commute traffic cameras terms of use
Please read these terms carefully before using this site. By using this site, you agree to these terms of use. If you do not agree to these terms of use, please do not use this site.
General
This site is owned and operated by King County. King County reserves the right to change or discontinue any aspect or feature of the website, temporarily or permanently, with or without notice to you. King County provides this website as a public service. This website is used to provide many types of information and to provide access to other traffic-related information. You agree that King County will not be liable to you for any modification, suspension or discontinuance of this website.
Restrictions on use
The content of this site, including all text, graphics, compilations and other documentation, is the property of King County and is protected by copyright law. By using this website, you agree to abide by all applicable laws in connection with our property rights, and by these terms of use. Except as may be otherwise provided in these terms, you may not publish, display, distribute or commercially exploit any of the content or website without the prior written permission of King County.
Disclaimer of warranty; limitation of liability
King County attempts to provide the best service reasonably available, but situations will occur that disrupt service or cause misinformation. The material presented on this website cannot be guaranteed as to accuracy, completeness, reliability, usefulness, or timeliness. This information depends on a number of items, including Internet availability, communications networks, and computer equipment which are beyond the control of King County and difficult to predict. The information on this website is not intended to constitute advice nor is it to be used as a substitute for specific advice from a professional. You should not act (or refrain from acting) based upon the information on this website without independently verifying the information and, as necessary, obtaining professional advice regarding your particular facts and circumstances. Because weather, road and traffic conditions change rapidly, drivers are in the best position to perceive such conditions and adjust their driving accordingly. Those relying on information presented on this website do so at their own risk, and you assume the risk that the information provided may be incorrect, as well as the risk that any information or material downloaded by you may cause loss of data or damage to your computer systems and neither King County, nor any of its officials, employees or agents shall be liable for either the accuracy of this information or any actions taken based on the information and nor do they represent the use of any information will not infringe privately owned rights.
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You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless King County, its officials and employees, from and against any and all claims, actions, liabilities, costs and expenses, including without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees (referred to collectively as "claims"), arising out of or related to your breach of any provision of these terms of use, or otherwise in any way arising out of or related to your use of this website. You will cooperate fully in the defense of any such claims. King County reserves the right to take exclusive control of the defense of any such claims. Furthermore, King County expressly disclaims any responsibility to defend or indemnify you against claims which others may assert based on your use of any of the information on this website.
Third party content
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Changed terms
King County has the right at any time to change or modify the terms and conditions applicable to use of the site or to impose new conditions. Any use of the website indicates that you accept the terms and conditions as posted at the time of use.
Miscellaneous
These terms of use constitute the entire agreement between you and King County with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all previous written or oral agreements, if any, between you and King County with respect to such subject matter. These terms of use shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions. You consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in King County, Washington in all disputes arising out of or related to these terms of use and the use of this website. The invalidity of any term or provision of these terms will not affect the validity of any other term or provision. Waiver by King County of strict performances of any provision of these terms will not be a waiver of or prejudice King County's right to require strict performance of the same provision in the future or of any other provision of these terms. No waiver by either party of any breach or default hereunder shall be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach or default. The section headings used herein are for convenience only and shall not be given any legal import. Comments or questions about this site or the terms of use should be directed to maint.roads@kingcounty.gov.
Terms of use last updated on April 15, 2014. Copyright © 2024, King County Department of Local Services.