PALM BAY, Fla. – School zones in Palm Bay will be outfitted with speed cameras to begin the new school year, according to the city.
The initiative got a green light early this year as the city says it aims to tackle the issue of speeding and to ensure a safer environment for students.
The cameras — provided by the company RedSpeed USA — are meant to spot anyone going more than 10 mph above the speed limit and to have those findings reviewed by a traffic enforcement officer. Violators will be sent $100 tickets in the mail.
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The cameras will only be operational during the following times: from thirty minutes before school starts, throughout the school day and up to 30 minutes after school ends, but only while school is in session, the city said Friday in a news release.
Research indicates that reducing a motorist’s speed by just 5 mph can double a child’s chance of surviving if struck by a vehicle.
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The primary goal of this enforcement measure is to encourage drivers to adhere to speed limits and enhance safety for all road users. Motorists will receive citations if they exceed the school zone speed limit by 11 mph or more. Each citation will incur a fine of $100. These citations will be treated as civil infractions, meaning they will not result in points on a driver's license or affect insurance rates.
The City of Palm Bay is committed to ensuring the safety of its students and appreciates the community’s cooperation in adhering to posted speed limits and respecting school zone regulations.
City of Palm Bay to Implement School Zone Cameras | Aug. 2, 2024 (excerpt)
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The measure allows for local hearings for individuals who want to challenge violation notices. Additionally, $12 from each fine will go toward efforts such as school security and improving the safety of students’ walking conditions while $60 from each fine will be kept by the local government to set up speed detection systems in school zones or to pursue other public safety projects.
Brevard County public school students return to class on Aug. 12.
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