MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with the installation and monitoring of the speed zones.
The county said a 6-1 majority also approved an agreement with the vendor, RedSpeed, to furnish, install, and maintain the speed detection system, comply with FDOT placement and installation specifications, and help Manatee County Public Safety in the public announcement and awareness campaign.
“I think this is a great thing for Manatee County and for the school children," said Commissioner Mike Rahn.
The county said drivers going more than 10 mph over the posted school zone speed limit during certain hours would be hit with a $100 ticket. There will also be a warning period.
As far as when cameras would be enforced, a Manatee County official said at this time, the statute allows 30 minutes before school through 30 minutes after school, adding that they’re planning to implement the cameras during that time period on school days only.
Commissioners also pointed out the difference between this initiative and red light cameras.
“Speed is not subjective. You can calculate that pretty accurately," said Commissioner George Kruse. "Second, this is for kids in school zones. There’s a reason why we have enhanced ticket prices for speeding through school zones as it is because it’s more dangerous. We’re protecting our kids.”
Last year, the Florida Legislature passed Florida House Bill 657, which allows counties to enforce speed limits in school zones using speed detection systems.
Denise Byram owns Learning is Fun Early Education and Childcare Center in Palmetto. The business is right across the street from an elementary school and smack dab in the middle of a school zone, so she’s seen firsthand just how dangerous some drivers can be.
“Children are walking from 16th Avenue, down 16th Avenue to cross across on the crosswalk here, and there are cars that will be going 40, 45mph not paying attention," said Byram. "They’ll be on their phones, or they’re just not paying attention and just blowing through, and it’s so dangerous.”
Byram thinks this effort could encourage people to slow down.
"When you have to pay a fine, it hurts the pocketbook," she said.
Other counties have been discussing similar initiatives. In December, the Tampa City Council took the initial steps toward a safety program that would install cameras at 13 school zones.
