Despite documented operational concerns from around Florida, the City of Tallahassee has reported no major operational issues with the recently installed school zone speed camera program. In addition, the city reports that that the majority of the targeted locations should be operational around the start of the school year.
The program came about after TPD, and the City’s Technology and Innovations Department completed a review of the program’s potential impact on public safety. A traffic study was conducted at Leon County public schools for one day during the proposed hours of enforcement. The study revealed that more than one hundred vehicles exceeded the posted speed limit by at least ten miles per hour. In all, more than 47,000 violations were observed during the study. It is anticipated that these violations will dramatically decrease with the initiation of the program.
The program is designed to reduce speeding and enhance public safety by reducing the need for extensive personnel for enforcement. The underlying principle is that if drivers adhere to speed limits, the cameras will effectively go “out of business” due to a lack of violations.
On April 8, the Leon County Commission elected officials, citing safety concerns, voted to implement the program in school zone within their jurisdiction.
Plam Bay, Manatee County Note Problems
Two local governments in Florida have recently noted problems with school zone camera program.
In Palm Bay, Florida, officials voted to temporarily suspended its school zone speed enforcement program in May, marking the second time it had been halted.
The primary issue was a continuous influx of complaints from drivers alleging that the cameras generated incorrect violations, which raised questions about the program’s credibility and validity.
An earlier pause in February was also due to similar complaints, specifically incorrect fines or speeding infractions on days when schools were closed. An audit subsequently identified “glitches,” leading to the refunding or dismissal of incorrect violations.
Despite reactivating the program in late March, complaints persisted regarding violations received when drivers claimed not to be speeding, or when citations were issued outside school zone hours or on non-school days.
The program remains paused for further evaluation, with police actively collaborating with the camera company to resolve the identified problems before potential reinstatement.
In Manatee County, in March, elected leaders voted 5-2 to terminate their school zone speed program, leaving only one camera active in Holmes Beach.
Over 55,000 drivers had received citations from the cameras.
A significant concern was raised by Commissioner Liz Gabric, who herself received two tickets and expressed being “shocked,” planning to dispute them. She was also upset with how the county had implemented the cameras, suggesting it was seen by some commissioners as a “money grab” that was not properly set up.
Another commissioner, while acknowledging that the cameras served a “good purpose” and who voted against termination, echoed concerns about inadequate public notification regarding enforcement. He voiced worries that the county would be blamed if accidents occurred after the program’s termination.
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I agree with Colleen as I have said the same thing.
David, There was an article by Police Chief Revell and his words were that the cameras are on 24/7, except ‘no school holidays’. Also, whatever the ‘flashing light’ speed limit is or the stated speed limit when no ‘flashing light’ is on, the ‘ticket’ only applies if those limits are exceeded by 11 MPH.
I have lived in Tallahassee for over 50 years and live near two schools. I have NEVER heard of an accident involving students. I say this is a solution looking for a problem and money for government and the vendor. Before installing red lights perhaps the police should monitor traffic at middle schools and explain to parents that letting their student run across the street in front of cars is unwise. Elementary schools have crossing guards…shouldn’t need red lights.
There was a recent write up in the democrat about that, David. It’s unclear if the speed cameras are all day or if the signs clearly stating that it is only when the lights are flashing take precedence. What will make this more challenging is alternating speed zones like Holy Trinity (15) next to Cobb/Sullivan (20) or Two sides of RAA being 20 with a 15 on the other side of the same school that then intersects it.
So, yes, it’s a BS money grab just like the last time they used cameras to generate revenue until people stopped getting trapped and revenue dropped.
BUT, why did they drop the Speed Limit to 15MPH? When I first heard about this, the way it was explained, the Camera’s were only going to be activated while the School Zone Lights were Flashing in the Morning and the Afternoon, NOT all Day. When the Lights stop Flashing, the Kids should be in Class. I think this is just a Money Grab.