Police chiefs defend school zone camera enforcement

Speeding in school zones was a topic of discussion during the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday as the panel debated House Bill 543, sponsored by Rep. Fiona McFarland of Sarasota.

In the nearly three years since the Florida Legislature authorized the use of cameras to enforce speed limits in school zones, dozens of cities and counties have embraced technology to keep students safe around schools on school days.

Chief Robert Bage of Fort Walton Beach testified in support of the program.

“We are a strong supporter of photo enforcement,” said Bage, who serves as the president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.

“Anecdotally and statistically, we have seen changes around our schools. People who live near the schools talk about how this is the first time they’ve seen true change in driving behaviors. Statistically, in Fort Walton Beach, we’ve seen a 95% reduction in speed violations, 50% in traffic crash reductions, and over 70% of people never receive a second violation, which shows true changing and driving behavior.”

Fort Walton Beach partnered with RedSpeed USA to enforce speed limits in school zones. RedSpeed installs cameras to capture photos of vehicles traveling through school zones over the speed limit. Drivers who speed by 11 mph or more over the limit on a school day receive a notice of violation.

The program is run at no cost to the taxpayer. $21 from each violation covers the cost of the technology, permitting, installation, verification and public awareness. Nearly 80% of the revenue from each $100 violation is reinvested in schools and public safety.

Nationally, Florida ranks second-highest for pedestrian accidents. Speed has been involved in half of all motor vehicle fatalities for the past two decades.

Speed cameras in school zones have captured images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 40 mph. Their reckless driving puts Florida students at risk.

“I can tell you, my daughter crosses the street twice a week from her school to the elementary school as part of a leadership program,” Bage shared. “So, midday enforcement is important … I thank you for all your support that you give law enforcement in Florida. The support makes Florida a place where families can thrive, and businesses prosper.”