News Summary
The Orlando City Council has approved the installation of speed detection cameras in school zones to enhance student safety. This initiative targets high-risk areas around 21 schools, aiming to reduce speeding during critical times around school sessions. A fine of $100 will be imposed on drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10 miles per hour. The program will be funded by the collection of fines with the aim of not using tax dollars for implementation. This move aligns with similar safety measures in Osceola County as part of a larger transportation safety campaign.
Orlando – The Orlando City Council has approved the installation of speed detection cameras in school zones to enhance safety for students. This initiative aims to reduce speeding in high-risk areas surrounding 21 schools within the city. The new enforcement measures are expected to be put in place in time for the next school year, following detailed traffic studies and safety assessments conducted by Orange County officials.
The speed detection cameras will be operational during critical times, specifically 30 minutes before and after school sessions. This timeframe is designed to maximize the effectiveness of the initiative by targeting the periods when students are arriving and leaving school. Drivers who are caught speeding at least 10 miles per hour over the posted school zone limit will incur a fine of $100. The program’s funding will derive entirely from the fines collected, ensuring that no tax dollars from the county or Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) will contribute to the cost associated with implementation.
Specific schools selected for this program have been identified based on safety analyses that revealed heightened risk factors due to careless driving behaviors. During initial phases, a total of 12 schools will have cameras installed, with the list of schools including notable institutions such as Audubon Park School K-8, Blankner School K-8, and Boone High School. City officials have expressed significant concern over the dangerously high speeds recorded by district traffic studies, prompting the push for these new safety measures.
The speed enforcement cameras will be monitored by a private company. Once a citation is issued, it will be reviewed by the sheriff’s office to maintain accuracy and accountability in the process. Revenue generated from the fines will first cover operational costs, with any additional funds allocated to improve road conditions and sidewalk infrastructure to further ensure student safety.
This initiative aligns with similar measures taken in Osceola County, which also implemented speed cameras in school zones under a new state law that became effective in 2023. To date, Osceola County officials reported that over 17,000 tickets have already been issued, with alarming instances of vehicles recorded speeding as fast as 70 mph in school zones. Importantly, tickets in Osceola County are classified as civil infractions, which means they do not affect the recipient’s driving record or insurance rates.
The goal of these speed detection cameras extends beyond just penalizing speeding drivers; instead, the initiative ultimately aims to enhance safety within school zones significantly. This effort is part of a broader transportation safety campaign known as Vision Zero, which seeks to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on roadways by the year 2040.
In conclusion, the installation of speed detection cameras in Orlando school zones is set to begin shortly, driven by the dual objectives of improving student safety and fostering responsible driving behavior. As the project maintains momentum, a request for proposals will soon be issued to identify potential vendors for the system’s future expansion phases.
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Additional Resources
- WESH 2 News
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Click Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Zone Speed Cameras
- Google Search: Florida school zone speed camera news
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
