LAKELAND, FL — Beginning today, Tuesday, Aug. 11, drivers speeding through several Lakeland school zones can receive $100 citations as the city’s School Zone Speed Safety Program transitions from warnings to full enforcement, coinciding with the first day of the new school year.
The City of Lakeland and Lakeland Police Department installed 14 automated speed enforcement cameras near eight school entrances earlier this year as part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative. Until today, motorists caught speeding received warning notices.
Under the program, drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the posted school-zone speed limit while flashing school-zone lights are active are subject to enforcement. The automated cameras capture images of vehicles exceeding the threshold, and each potential violation is reviewed and approved by the Lakeland Police Department before a citation is issued.
Approved violations result in a $100 civil citation mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
Cameras are located near Lincoln Academy, Crystal Lake Elementary and Middle schools, Southwest Middle School, North Lakeland Elementary, Lakeland High School, Lakeland Highlands Middle School, Sleepy Hill Elementary, Dixieland Elementary and Southwest Elementary.
“Our goal has never been to issue citations; it has always been to protect children and encourage safer driving habits,” Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor said. Motorists are being reminded to slow down and remain alert as students return to school.
SOURCE: LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
