Back in June, Lakeland city commissioners approved an ordinance allowing speed cameras in certain school zones. Now, with the school year underway, the city is preparing to start enforcement this October.
The program will place 14 cameras across nine schools, each targeting drivers going more than 10 mph over the posted school zone limit when the yellow lights are flashing. Enforcement will only occur during state defined windows: 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after the start of school, and 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after dismissal.
The ordinance required a public awareness period before citations could be issued. Many drivers have already noticed the signs and equipment, but some may not realize ticketing is just weeks away. Each potential violation will be reviewed by a Lakeland Police Department officer before a citation is mailed. The $100 fine will not add points to a license or affect insurance rates, but officials say the real goal is slowing traffic where children are walking or biking.
The initial locations are listed below. The city can add or change sites in the future by ordinance.
Camera Locations:
Lincoln Academy – 900 W. 10th St.
Lincoln Academy – 712 W. 10th St.
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Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle – 2237 N. Crystal Lake Dr.
Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle – 2272 N. Crystal Lake Dr.
Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle – 2236 S. Crystal Lake Dr.
Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle – 2238 S. Crystal Lake Dr.
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Philip O’Brien Elementary – 508 Bartow Rd. / US 98
Philip O’Brien Elementary – 337 Bartow Rd. / US 98
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Southwest Middle – 2417 S. Lincoln Ave.
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North Lakeland Elementary – 225 W. Robson St.
North Lakeland Elementary – 510 W. Robson St.
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Lakeland High School – 821 Hollingsworth Rd.
Lakeland Highlands Middle – 868 Lake Miriam Dr.
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Sleepy Hill Elementary – 2315 Sleepy Hill Rd.
City leaders have said the program is meant to change driver behavior, not to rack up fines. With students walking, biking, and being dropped off every school day, the hope is that these cameras will remind drivers to slow down before someone gets hurt.
