OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County is issuing warnings to anyone caught speeding in 10 community school zones starting Monday.
Vehicles caught going over 10 mph the speed limit will receive a warning notice in the mail, “alerting them to their illegal act,” the district said in the release.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
This applies to:
- 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the start of a regularly scheduled breakfast program.
- 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the start of a regularly scheduled school session.
- During the entirety of a regularly scheduled school session.
- 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the end of a regularly scheduled school session.
Then, starting March 26, violators will be issued a citation to the vehicle’s registered owner and fined $100.
“The general idea is, let’s make sure we’re slowing down. Let’s make sure we’re abiding by the laws that are in place regarding school zone safety. At the end of the day, we want to make sure that the students getting to school are the students making it back home,” Osceola Director of Communications Tyler Winik explained.
Raul Pacheco picks up his daughter from Boggy Creek Elementary School every afternoon. He tells News 6 he’s witnessed people flying down the road at all hours.
“Do you see people speeding down this road?” News 6 reporter Stephanie Rodriguez asked.
“Yes, I do, a lot,” he said. “Actually, since they put those cameras right there it’s slowed down. I’m really happy. I feel really good about it. I actually hope that they do some more.”
Here’s how the safety cameras work: They identify vehicles traveling above the speed limit within the school zone. It takes a first picture of the vehicle, then a second close-up of the license plate, collecting additional data including video, date, vehicle speed and location.
Before a fine is issued each infraction is verified by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
“What happens is that a vehicle’s tag is recognized if they are speeding through the school zone and a sheriff’s office personnel member will go ahead and double-check the video,” Winik explained. “If you receive a warning between now and March 25 we’re imploring you to please slow down.”
The digital speed safety cameras are proven to reduce crashes and pedestrian-related injuries, making for safer roads around schools, according to the county’s website.
“As someone deeply committed to the safety of our children, I have championed this program to ensure our school zones are places of protection and care,” Osceola County Commission Chairwoman Viviana Janer said in a statement. “This warning period allows drivers to adjust their behavior, helping us create safer streets with a stronger community focus on student safety.”
The infractions are non-criminal and will not be reported to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the website read.
Thirty-two speed cameras have been placed at high-risk locations across Osceola County. Fifteen of those cameras will be operational during Phase 1 at the following schools:
- Bellalago Academy
- Boggy Creek Elementary School
- Deerwood Elementary
- Horizon Middle School
- KOA Elementary
- Liberty High School
- Mater Brighton Lakes Academy
- Mater Palms Academy
- Parkway Middle School
- Sunrise Elementary School
Phase 2 is scheduled to include the following schools around 30 days after:
- BridgePrep Academy
- Narcoossee Elementary School
- Poinciana High School
- Reedy Creek Elementary School
Winik said he believes Phase 2 should be operational on or before March 25 and that a separate warning period would then be in place for the schools in that phase.
Osceola County worked with Verra Mobility, a leader in speed safety technology, to administer this safety program.
Those with questions can view the county’s website or contact Verra Mobility at 1-866-225-8875.
