Tampa, Florida — Tampa officials are moving closer to implementing automated school zone speed enforcement after a recent traffic study revealed thousands of speeding violations near local schools, including more than 6,000 violations at a single location over just two days.
The proposal is scheduled for discussion before the Tampa City Council, which will consider an ordinance that could authorize speed detection cameras at 18 school zones across the city.
Study Reveals Widespread Speeding Near Schools
According to city documents, Tampa commissioned a study by RedSpeed that examined traffic behavior in 31 school zones serving 29 schools.
The findings showed significant speeding activity at numerous locations, with some school zones averaging hundreds to thousands of violations per day.
Among all schools analyzed, St. Lawrence Catholic School on North Himes Avenue recorded the highest number of violations.
The study counted 17,044 vehicles passing through the area during a two-day period in April.
During that same period, RedSpeed documented 6,043 speeding violations, averaging approximately 3,021 violations per day.
At that location, the school zone speed limit is 15 mph during active enforcement periods, and the study counted violations from drivers traveling 26 mph or faster.
During regular traffic hours, when the posted speed limit increases to 30 mph, violations were counted at 41 mph and above.
How the Proposed Camera System Would Work
City officials emphasized that the cameras would not operate continuously throughout the day. During a previous City Council discussion, Jim Reiser, Tampa Police Department’s program coordinator for the school zone camera initiative, explained how enforcement would function.
“When the flashers are active, that means the slow speed zone is in effect,” Reiser said.
Officials also stressed that the cameras would only operate when students are present on campus.
“Students have to be present on campus for those speed cameras to work,” Reiser said.
According to city representatives, violations would not be issued after school hours, on weekends, holidays or teacher workdays.
Before enforcement begins, city staff said they would verify school schedules, bell times and flashing-light operations to ensure accuracy.
Privacy Concerns Raised During Discussions
While many officials support the proposal as a safety measure, some council members have raised questions regarding privacy protections.
Residents have expressed concerns about whether the cameras could potentially be linked to broader law enforcement surveillance systems.
Assistant City Attorney Megan Newcomb addressed those concerns during earlier discussions.
“These are for school zone safety purposes for documenting speeding in school zones,” Newcomb said.
Councilman Luis Viera also acknowledged public concerns while emphasizing the purpose of the program.
“This is something that’s solely going to go for protection of children and for public safety,” Viera said.
Where the $100 Fine Would Go
Under the proposed program, drivers caught violating school zone speed limits would face a $100 fine.
City documents indicate the money would be divided among several recipients.
A portion would remain with the city to operate and maintain the camera program while supporting additional public safety efforts.
Other portions would be directed toward the state, local school district and a program focused on recruiting and retaining school crossing guards.
Officials noted that the school district’s share must be used for school security improvements, student transportation initiatives or projects aimed at creating safer walking conditions for students.
Additional School Safety Measures Being Considered
In addition to the speed camera proposal, council members are also expected to discuss enhanced school zone signage and larger flashing warning lights.
Supporters argue that both measures could help improve driver awareness and reduce speeding near schools.
The ordinance is currently being considered on first reading, meaning additional discussions and votes would still be required before the proposal becomes law.
Do you support school zone speed cameras and $100 fines for speeding near schools? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
