Doral is set to enhance safety for its youngest pedestrians with a new speed camera program in school zones. Starting this Thursday, the City of Doral, in partnership with the Doral Police Department, will implement photo-enforced speed control aimed at reducing speeding near schools. Cameras will operate during school hours, plus 30 minutes before and after, focusing on vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph or more.
These enforcement measures are set to primarily protect students. In a statement obtained by the City of Doral, Chief Edwin Lopez said, "The safety of our school community is one of my top priorities." He added, "Speeding in school zones is a serious traffic offense. As both a Police Chief and a father of school-aged children, I’m fully supportive of this new safety initiative. It’s a strong addition to our ongoing efforts to protect our schools and keep our kids safe."
The introduction of this program will include a 30-day warning period from Thursday through September 14, during which drivers will be educated before any fines are issued. Installation signs will also be displayed to ensure drivers to be well aware of the new cameras before entering school zones. This initiative is not only about issuing fines—it's also about promoting safe driving habits. Fines for violations are set at $100, which can be paid online, by phone, or by mail, but failure to respond can lead to more serious consequences, escalating to a Uniform Traffic Citation and county court summons.
According to the City of Doral, the program provides consistent enforcement without requiring a police officer’s physical presence and increases driver awareness in critical areas. Cameras will be installed at several school locations, including Academir Charter School East and Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High. City officials noted, "This program ensures consistent school zone enforcement without requiring a police officer to be physically present at all times," emphasizing improved resource use and enhanced safety.
Alongside the program rollout, authorities remind drivers to follow basic safety practices in school zones: put phones away, watch for signs and signals, obey crossing guards, and adhere to speed limits.
