Orlando is stepping up its traffic safety measures with the recent approval to install speed-enforcement cameras near 21 schools. The decision was made following a unanimous vote by the Orlando City Council on Monday, as reported by WFTV.
The move mirrors the existing red-light camera system in operation within the city. Drivers caught traveling 10 miles over the posted speed limit in these zones can expect a fine of $100. Moreover, this initiative is being considered for expansion to an additional two dozen school campuses. Several locations within Central Florida have already embraced this traffic enforcement method this year.
The first phase of this program includes Audubon Park School K-8, Boone High School, and Innovation Middle School. WESH detailed the measures following a comprehensive safety analysis that identified a "heightened safety risk" at these educational institutions.
According to WESH, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan illuminated the issue at hand, saying, "I got children crossing a very busy street where people are going 30 and 40 miles an hour, and they're supposed to slow down for the school zone." Sheehan's point was underscored by the swift action of law enforcement unable to keep pace with the speed violations, "It was so bad, the officer that they assigned to work with me was pulling over people over so quickly that he could not get them all."
Residents like Michele Butler echo the sentiment of city leaders, as per WESH, affirming their support by saying, "I think that's a good thing. Why not? People do go speeding through those school zones, and it's dangerous," revealing a collective consciousness towards the safety of children. Ahead of enforcement, there will be a public awareness period to inform the community about the new system. The initiative plays into Orlando's broader Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate all traffic-related serious injuries and deaths by 2040.
The next phase involves soliciting proposals from vendors to install the camera systems as the city evaluates another 25 schools for possible inclusion in the program.
