News Summary
The Leon County Commission has approved an automated speed enforcement program for school zones to enhance safety for students. Set to begin after a public review, this initiative follows a similar program introduced by the City Commission. Recent studies revealed concerning speeding trends around school zones, necessitating effective measures. Projected revenue from the program is estimated at $275,000 annually, with a focus on promoting safe driving habits and ensuring the safety of children in school areas.
Leon County Takes Action for School Zone Safety
In a proactive move to enhance safety for students, the Leon County Commission has officially voted to implement an automated speed enforcement program within school zones. This decision, made on April 8, 2025, marks a significant step in addressing the ongoing issue of speeding around schools, which poses a potential risk to children and families.
New Ordinance on the Horizon
The commission’s approval has set the wheels in motion, directing staff to draft an ordinance that will be presented for public consideration. This means that community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions in a public hearing before the ordinance becomes official.
This initiative follows a similar program adopted by the City Commission back in May 2024. The city is already on board, having taken steps to ensure that local school zones are monitored effectively. In fact, just last year, the city chose a vendor to oversee the program in collaboration with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD).
How It All Started
February 2025 saw the beginning of the city’s journey, starting with a 30-day warning period before the enforcement cameras were officially activated. During this initial phase, the program gained traction, capturing attention early on. In the first week alone, a whopping 574 tickets were issued near the busy Kerry Forest area close to DeSoto Trail Elementary School and also on Tharpe Street near RAA Middle School.
Speeding Concerns Are Real
Projected Revenue and Program Goals
According to county staff projections, the automated speeding program could rake in around $275,000 annually. Out of this amount, 60% or approximately $165,000 would be allocated specifically to fund the program as well as various public safety initiatives. As drivers become more aware and change their speeding habits, it is expected that revenue from speeding fines will naturally decline, leading to safer neighborhoods around schools.
As for penalties, any driver caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour in a school zone will face a $100 fine. The goal here is simple: ensure the safety of children while educating the public about the importance of adhering to speed limits.
Looking Ahead
Commissioner Brian Welch highlighted the significance of the program, reiterating its primary focus on child safety and reducing traffic accidents in school zones. The county plans to roll out these enforcement devices in time for the upcoming school year and will provide a grace period along with an extensive educational campaign to inform the public.
To ensure a smooth implementation process, the handling and distribution of the revenue generated from the fines will be conducted in accordance with the Florida Statutes Section 316.1896(5). Additionally, an awareness campaign is already underway, featuring signage about the speed detection system and collaborations with local schools and law enforcement.
The next steps will involve the county selecting a vendor for the speed detection system at a future commission meeting, with the drafted ordinance set to be discussed in a public hearing prior to its official launch. The hope is that these measures will not only protect students but also foster a culture of safe driving in the community.
All eyes are on Leon County as they take decisive action to keep their school zones safe for everyone.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: School Zone Cameras Ready
- Wikipedia: Traffic Enforcement
- Tallahassee Reports: Speed Zone Camera Program
- Google Search: School Zone Speed Enforcement
- Tallahassee.com: Leon County Speed Enforcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Tallahassee Reports: TPD School Zone Camera Program
- Google News: Leon County School Zone Safety
- Tallahassee.com: School Zone Speed Enforcement Program
