Orlando City Council Poised to Approve Speed Cameras for School Zones

Orlando Set to Approve School Zone Speed Cameras

Orlando, Fla. – The city of Orlando is on the verge of implementing a new traffic enforcement strategy to enhance safety around school zones. In a city council meeting scheduled for Monday, the council will cast a vote on a second reading of an ordinance designed to place speed cameras outside 21 school campuses throughout the city.

Importance of Speed Cameras

The proposed speed cameras will function similarly to red light cameras, targeting drivers who exceed the speed limit by at least 10 miles per hour. Offenders who are caught by the cameras will receive a fine of $100. This initiative aims to address the rising concerns about traffic safety, particularly in areas frequented by school children.

Background of the Initiative

This initiative was first introduced in June, when the city council unanimously approved the initial reading of the ordinance. The current meeting will focus on the final approval needed to implement the cameras, which are part of a broader effort to prevent accidents and ensure a safer environment for students.

Community Support

Support for the speed cameras has been voiced by parents and local school staff. Bill Jennings, a crossing guard at Princeton Elementary School, expressed his approval of the initiative, citing the alarming rate of speeding that he regularly observes. “Unfortunately, I see too much speeding traffic. That’s ridiculous,” Jennings said. “I think the cameras are long overdue and I’m 100% in favor of it.”

Also weighing in is Rachel Schwartz, a parent of two children attending Princeton Elementary. She hopes to see the cameras installed before the school year ends, stating, “Hopefully it will deter people from speeding. We definitely care about our kids and we want the cars to slow down here.”

Wider Implications

Orlando is not alone in this endeavor; several cities across Central Florida have already either implemented or approved similar measures in school zones over the past year. With the potential approval of the ordinance on Monday, Orlando looks to take this further by considering the addition of speed cameras outside 23 more campuses in a second phase of the initiative.

The council’s decision will be closely watched by community members, as it directly impacts the safety of children traveling to and from school. Speeding in school zones is a longstanding concern, and the camera enforcement is seen as a necessary step to hold drivers accountable.

Conclusion

As the city council prepares for the vote, the outcome could mark a significant shift in how Orlando addresses school zone traffic violations. The introduction of speed cameras is anticipated to not only reduce speeding but also to foster a culture of safety around schools. With community support backing this initiative, it seems there is a strong desire to prioritize the safety of children in Orlando.