Orlando Takes Steps to Enhance School Safety with New Zones and Speed Cameras

Orlando Looks to Increase School Safety on Busy Roads

Orlando, FL – In an effort to enhance safety for students commuting to school, city officials are planning to establish new school zones at Lake Nona Middle School and Lake Nona High School. This decision comes amid rising concerns about traffic speed on Narcoossee Road, a major roadway in front of the two campuses.

Speed Limit Concerns

Currently, the speed limit on Narcoossee Road stands at 45 mph, a speed that city residents believe is too fast for a busied area frequented by children. Neither Lake Nona school is designated as a school zone, which typically lowers speed limits to 20 mph and includes safety measures like flashing beacons.

Residents like Kyle Anderson have expressed their frustrations over this situation. Anderson has been advocating for reduced speed zones for over a year, citing safety concerns as he watches students navigate the busy streets. “It just makes me nervous because the traffic’s so fast,” said Anderson, whose child attended Lake Nona High School.

Planned Changes

In June, the Orlando City Council approved a plan to deploy speed detection cameras in 23 existing school zones across the city, including areas like Audubon Park, College Park, and Dover Shores. The cameras will issue tickets to speeders, similar to red light cameras, with offenders facing a $100 fine.

Though the cameras are not yet operational, city officials believe that the implementation of these cameras, along with the establishment of new school zones, will discourage speeding near schools. Ashley Papagni, a city spokesperson, mentioned that currently, there is no timeline for the camera installations as the bidding process is yet to be completed.

Traffic Trends and Safety Risks

Lake Nona is experiencing rapid growth, with traffic on Narcoossee Road increasing to 57,000 drivers per day in 2023. This rising volume of vehicles exacerbates safety concerns, particularly for children walking or biking to school. Historically, the region has ranked as one of the most hazardous for pedestrians, highlighting an urgent need for effective safety solutions.

A study indicated that more than half of vehicles sped through designated school zones, suggesting a broader issue with compliance that needs to be addressed. City officials hope that speed cameras will be an effective deterrent, promoting safer driving behaviors in these crucial areas.

Future Plans

The Orlando City Council is set to vote on further measures to create more school zones at various campuses throughout the city on December 9. Data from the Florida Department of Transportation indicates that additional schools, both public and private, may also qualify for school zone designations under new state laws.

According to Laura Hardwicke, Orlando’s safe mobility manager, the aim is clear: “If we can reduce the speed of vehicles, we make safer conditions.” A report by the Transportation Research Board highlights that approximately 25,000 children are injured each year in school speed zone accidents, which emphasizes the need for immediate action.

A Community Concern

As the city moves to address these concerns, community members are hopeful that changes will improve safety for students and reduce traffic-related accidents, which tragically impact countless families each year. The increased focus on safety measures in Orlando’s school zones signifies a proactive step toward protecting the community’s children.