HAINES CITY, Fla. — Last month, Haines City officials became the first in Polk County to approve the installation of speed detection cameras in school zones. This decision follows a study revealing that over three days, about 1,000 drivers were caught speeding through school zones earlier this year.
Rodney Hatch, a Haines City resident and parent, expressed his support for the new initiative. “If people are aware that there are more eyes on them, maybe they'll curb their speeding and unsafe driving,” Hatch said. This sentiment is echoed by others like resident Emma Asher, who says cameras will make school zones safer for both children and adults.
The implementation of these cameras is particularly significant given the limited resources available to local law enforcement. Leaders acknowledge it is challenging to monitor every school zone. The new cameras, equipped with technology similar to red light cameras, are expected to alleviate this issue by automatically detecting and fining speeders.
Fernando Pineda rides a bike several times a week. He’s thrilled about the new safety measures. Asher believes that any initiative that enhances safety is worthwhile. “Nobody stops at the corner by the school in the evening. They want to go in, and nobody gives me a chance to go in,” Pineda said.
The initiative comes after a new law enacted in 2023, allows local governments to install cameras in school zones and fine drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph. The cameras capture the vehicle's license plate, and a ticket is mailed to the registered owner. While fines issued by these cameras are $100 with no points added to the driver's license, compared to a $250 fine and four points for tickets issued by officers, the likelihood of getting caught by the cameras is significantly higher.
“With more eyes on drivers it’s likely to deter speeding,” Hatch said.
The challenge now is to install these cameras within the next three weeks, before the school year begins. If the installation cannot be completed in all school zones, priority will be given to the areas with the highest incidence of speeding.
The cameras will be placed in 12 school zones throughout the city and will be active 30 minutes before and after school.