Officials want to shut down Washington DC traffic cameras and the city could lose $267,000,000 if they do
Published on Jan 20, 2026 at 3:28 AM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe
Last updated on Jan 19, 2026 at 9:33 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Washington DC is a small but well-populated city in the US, and as a result, there’s a high volume of traffic cameras running through it, but this could all potentially change.
It’s all down to a report of the Dept of Transport wanting to ban speed cameras, but as you can imagine, there have been many different reactions to this.
From safety concerns to budget losses, many people have had lots to say on the matter.
And it turns out that the system that enforces speed rules brought in an eye-watering amount of revenue last year alone.
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Caught in the act – here is the deal with traffic cameras
When it comes to traffic, Washington DC is more than qualified to talk.
With more than 700,000 people calling the city home, the number of cars that travel on the roads each day is rather large.
However, when it comes to policing these roads with traffic cameras, things could change.
A leaked report has suggested that the Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to ban traffic cameras in Washington DC, according to Politico, and it’s all part of a transportation bill that may be passed by Congress this year.
However, it seems that not quite everyone is on board with the idea.
Some DC officials have lots to say about the traffic cameras, with revenue and safety being a concern.
According to WTOP News, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a statement and said that the cameras are ‘a critical tool in the work to save lives and make our streets safer’, meaning if they were to be no more, things could get dangerous.
She also went on to say that it could cause a huge billion-dollar hole in DC’s financial plan, cutting services for those in the community, which, let’s face it, is less than ideal.
“Traffic safety cameras are not only about revenues, they’re about accountability, prevention, and saving lives.
“Stripping the District of these tools without a comprehensive safety plan sends a dangerous signal that reckless driving will be tolerated,” U.S. Shadow Representative Oye Owolewa said.
Could it be all about the dollar?
After the news broke about the potential stop to Washington DC’s speed cameras, some people have had lots to say, with some alluding to the idea that the cameras are a huge money-making tool.
In fact, Rep. Scott Perry has even conjured up the idea of getting rid of the city’s use of the traffic system.
“Cities like Washington, DC, that depend on automated traffic enforcement revenue to balance their budgets are proof that the policy isn’t about the safety of residents and visitors; it’s about fleecing people without representation or fair due process,” he said.
Other reports have suggested that the cameras allegedly brought in over $267,000,000 last year, so there could be more at stake than you’d initially imagine.
Of course, the use of these cameras is nothing new, with the district introducing them before the start of the millennium.
But we’ll have to wait and see what happens when it comes to this bill to determine the future in DC.
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Beginning her career as a lifestyle reporter and social-media manager, Grace joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025. Since coming on board, has thrown herself into the busy daily writing schedule. Her editorial sweet spots include writing about luxury properties and the quirky features inside them that the one percent are investing in, as well as groundbreaking advancements in space exploration.
