Orlando has begun warning drivers caught speeding in 20 school zones, ahead of the introduction of $100 fines later this year.
The city’s speed cameras became operational on Monday, October 5, with a 45-day warning period. From November 30, vehicle owners may receive a civil penalty by post if their car is recorded travelling more than 10mph above the applicable speed limit in an active school zone.
The cameras use radar and photography to identify vehicles during designated school-zone enforcement times. Warning notices will be sent to the registered keeper during the initial period, but no ticket will be issued until enforcement begins.
Orlando said the locations were selected following an internal study examining factors including vehicle speeds, pedestrian activity, traffic conditions, crash history and wider safety concerns.
The programme is authorised under a city ordinance and Florida law. Images captured by the system will be reviewed by a certified traffic infraction enforcement officer from the Orlando Police Department before any notice of violation is issued.
The $100 penalty will not add points to the registered owner’s Florida driving licence. Owners will be able to pay the fine, nominate the driver or contest the alleged violation at an administrative hearing.
