During a public hearing Monday morning, Lakeland City Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance allowing automated speed detection cameras in designated school zones, marking a major step in the city’s effort to improve street safety.
The resolution states the city will install speed detection systems within zones at eight different schools across Lakeland. The cameras will be used to catch drivers exceeding the posted limit by more than 10 miles per hour. Enforcement would be 30 minutes before and after the start and end of the school day.
The starting locations were chosen after a study was conducted that found about 850 potential violations per day at certain locations during periods when the school zone speed flashers were on.
City officials said the program will begin with a 30-day warning period, during which no fines will be issued. Signs will be posted to alert drivers of the new enforcement measures.
After that, violators will receive notices by mail, with the option to pay a $100 fine, contest the citation, or file an affidavit identifying another driver.
The ordinance also outlines procedures for reviewing violations, appeals, public record retention and reporting.
The program will be administered by the Lakeland Police Department.
“We’ll definitely be able to deploy units to other areas and work those school zones who may not have as many violations but still have violations but now we can concentrate on those… so this becomes a force multiplier for us,” said Lakeland Assistant Police Chief Hans Lehman in a May workshop.
During that same workshop, city staff said the funds would go toward more safety enhancements for the city as a whole — from enforcement to traffic engineering projects aimed at creating safer driving conditions.
The following schools are among those included in the program: Lincoln Academy, Crystal Lake Elementary and Middle, Philip O’Brien Elementary, Southwest Middle, North Lakeland Elementary, Lakeland High School, Lakeland Highlands Middle and Sleepy Hill Elementary.
It’s about time. Next, put them in my neighborhood where speed limits are flouted daily