Drivers in Coconut Creek must be mindful of their speed while in school zones, which could cost them $100.
During the July 11 meeting, the city commission unanimously approved an ordinance on second reading to allow speed detection systems in speed zones. The commission also agreed to contract with RedSpeed to provide the service.
According to Coconut Creek Interim Police Chief Fred Hofer, speeding in front of schools is a significant problem. The largest number of speed violations occur in front of Lyons Creek Middle School.
He said a detection system would reduce speeding and make the school zones safer for children. Violators detected driving ten miles per hour or more over the speed limit in a school zone will pay a $100 fine but will not have points against their license, and their insurance company will not be notified. They will receive a notification in the mail that the detection system caught them, and they owe a fine of $100. Coconut Creek police service aides will evaluate each violation, he said.
According to Scotty Leamon, Coconut Creek police public information officer, an education campaign using social media and signs will inform drivers. The cameras will operate during the entire school day, and drivers who exceed the posted speed limits while school is in session will receive a citation.
Commissioner Joshua Rydell supports the detection system but wanted a comprehensive 60-day education campaign on the camera system. Greg Parks of RedSpeed assured the city that they would have a thorough and informative 60-day education campaign on the detection system.
“We need to own the message and reinforce the message. We will have public service announcements in multiple languages and produce flyers at our expense,” said Parks.
Mayor Sandra Welch said she believes speeding is a problem in front of schools and that the speed detection system will improve children’s safety as they go to school.
Vice Mayor Jackie Railey liked the idea of school detection systems and believed it would improve children’s safety.
Commissioner Jeffrey Wasserman added, “I think this is a huge step in the direction of school and student safety and ensuring that our students can get to and from school in a safe and orderly fashion.”
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