Redmond and Bend police departments have made public the latest traffic‑camera enforcement numbers, underscoring a joint effort to keep local streets safe for families. Between June 15 and Sept. 15, the two cities issued a combined 5,717 photo‑enforcement citations, reflecting a focused campaign against speeding and reckless driving.
Citation totals by city and period
Redmond reported 2,667 citations overall, broken down as follows:
- 733 citations from June 15 – July 15
- 950 citations from July 16 – Aug. 15
- 855 citations from Aug. 16 – Sept. 15
Bend’s traffic‑camera program generated 3,050 citations as of Sept. 23. The department’s communications manager, Sheila Miller, identified the most frequently cited locations as the SB NE 27th/Neff camera, the Business 97 camera at Powers Road, Reed Market/3rd, and the westbound lanes of 27th/Neff.
New enforcement site in Redmond
Redmond Police Lieutenant April Huey explained that the department has relocated a transportable camera unit to Southwest Blackbutte Boulevard near 10th Street. While citations have not yet been issued at the new site, enforcement will begin on Oct. 15.
“This new location was selected because of high traffic volume, near a school to increase safety for children, there was a fatal crash near the location approximately four years ago, and ongoing speeding complaints,” Huey said. The proactive placement reflects a commitment to protecting young commuters and preventing future tragedies.
Why the data matters to families
Both police agencies stress that photo‑enforcement is not a revenue‑raising gimmick but a public‑safety tool. By documenting speeding violations, officers can issue citations promptly, encouraging drivers to respect posted limits and reducing the risk of accidents near schools and residential neighborhoods.
Parents in Redmond and Bend have welcomed the increased focus on school‑zone safety. Local parent‑teacher associations have long advocated for stronger traffic controls around elementary and middle schools, and the police data provides concrete evidence that the departments are responding to those concerns.
Looking ahead
The upcoming Oct. 15 start date for the Blackbutte Boulevard camera will give residents a clear warning period. Police advise drivers to observe speed limits, especially during school‑run hours, and to expect continued camera enforcement at high‑risk intersections.
Both departments will continue to release monthly citation summaries, allowing the community to track progress and hold officials accountable for road‑safety outcomes. Residents can access the full data sets on the Redmond and Bend police websites.
Community response
Local business owners near the cited locations have expressed support, noting that safer streets benefit commerce as well as families. “When drivers slow down, our customers feel safer walking to our shops,” said a shop owner on 27th Avenue.
Overall, the traffic‑camera initiative illustrates how municipal law‑enforcement can work hand‑in‑hand with parents, schools, and neighborhoods to uphold the traditional family values of protecting children and preserving community well‑being.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
