(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser released the following statement in opposition to H.R. 5525, legislation that would prohibit use of automated traffic enforcement (ATE) to discourage dangerous driving:

“For years, the District has worked to reduce traffic fatalities and create safer streets for pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and all who use our roads and sidewalks. As our population has grown and new modes of transportation have become available, this work has only become more urgent, and automated traffic enforcement has been a critical tool for keeping neighborhoods safe. It provides an effective and proven means of deterring reckless driving, and its core purpose is straightforward: to save lives.

“Last year, traffic fatalities in the District fell by 52 percent, reaching their lowest level since 2014. This progress was made possible through a broad strategy to both deter dangerous driving and hold reckless drivers accountable – a strategy that also includes infrastructure upgrades, targeted law enforcement efforts, and strengthened accountability. To remove ATE at a time when we are finally making progress will put residents and visitors at risk and send a misguided and dangerous message that reckless driving is acceptable in our nation’s capital. I urge Congress to prioritize the safety of everyone who lives in and visits our city by rejecting any proposal to eliminate automated traffic enforcement in the District.”

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