Neptune Beach is gearing up to make school zones safer with the installation of speed cameras, poised to target speeding drivers near schools. As Action News Jax reported, the purpose of these cameras is to foster a change in driver behavior and enhance awareness of the dangers that speeding presents, especially in areas frequented by children.
The cameras will be operational starting April 3, but not before a 40-day warning period that begins on February 24, during which drivers will be alerted instead of fined. According to News4JAX, the cameras will be installed at Beaches Chapel School, Neptune Beach Elementary School, and Duncan U. Fletcher High School, all locations that struggle with drivers disregarding the speed limit despite clear signage delineating the correct speeds during school hours.
Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael Key Jr. emphasized the issue of student safety in a statement obtained by First Coast News, "Our primary concern is the safety of our children," he said. "We work hard to keep them safe at school but we’ve got to get them there safely first. By implementing school zone speed cameras, we can enforce speed limits more effectively, even when officers are not physically present. This technology ensures continuous monitoring and enhances the safety of school zones."
Formal approval for this initiative was given last year by the Neptune Beach City Council after a study was conducted revealing a considerable number of violations during a random school day at Neptune Beach Elementary School. Former Mayor Elaine Brown reported the findings of the study to First Coast News, "People just seem to ignore them at times. What we have found, we did a study, we saw an awful lot of cars that were breaking the law. This is dangerous for children.” Citations, which will be enforced during the hour when students are released, come with a $100 fine, and no points will be assessed to the driver’s record.
Principal Elizabeth Kavanaugh of Neptune Beach Elementary acknowledged these efforts in a statement highlighted by First Coast News, "The addition of school zone cameras is a big step toward making sure drivers stay aware and conscientious in our school zone. Coupled with the presence of dedicated police officers and the 'Be Safe. Be Seen' initiative, it really shows a well-rounded approach to keeping students safe," she said.
