DAVENPORT, FL — A speed study at Horizons Elementary School recorded nearly 200 vehicles traveling more than 10 mph above the posted speed limit during just two school days. As a result, the City of Davenport will begin a new School Zone Speed Safety Program at the school, starting with a warning period Sept. 21.
The study recorded 199 vehicles traveling more than 10 mph above the posted speed limit, averaging about 100 violations per school day. The school zone speed limit is 15 mph, while the study found average vehicle speeds during school hours were approximately 25 mph in both directions.
The study also found that 15% of vehicles traveled faster than 30 to 36 mph, depending on the day and direction of travel.
Beginning Sept. 21, drivers traveling more than 10 mph above the speed limit while the school zone is active will receive warning notices. No fines will be issued during the warning period.
Following the warning period, violations will carry a $100 civil penalty under Florida law. The citations do not add points to a driver’s license. Each potential violation captured by the system must be reviewed and approved by authorized Davenport Police Department personnel before a citation is issued.
“Traffic safety is among the top priorities in Davenport, especially when it involves our children,” Davenport Police Chief Steve Parker said. “The City’s speed study data showed drivers routinely moving well above the school zone limit. The goal is not for the City to issue citations, but for drivers to simply slow down.”
The City has partnered with Maryland-based Altumint to operate the speed safety technology. The systems will operate only on school days during posted school zone hours, beginning with the morning flashing beacons and ending after the afternoon flashing beacons.
While Davenport City Commissioners approved an ordinance in April allowing a traffic safety program at schools within the community, Parker confirmed to Eye In The Sky News that Horizons Elementary is currently the only Davenport school slated for implementation.
“Horizons Elementary School is the only school currently slated for implementation of a traffic safety program,” Parker said. “Other schools could possibly come onboard in the future, but it will only be after a traffic study is conducted and the City Commission approves an ordinance for those specific schools.”
According to the City, the system does not use facial recognition technology or identify people inside vehicles. Altumint also states that its technology and data will not be integrated with automated license plate readers or sound-detection technology.
The City of Davenport owns the program-related data, which must be retained and destroyed in accordance with Florida law.
SOURCE: DAVENPORT POLICE CHIEF STEVE PARKER
