Drivers in Coconut Creek will soon need to be extra careful to avoid speeding in school zones.
During the May 23 meeting, the Commission agreed on the first reading of an ordinance to install a camera speed detection system in school zones. Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit by ten miles per hour would be cited.
The city would contract with RedSpeed to provide the equipment.
Commission members liked the idea of cameras catching speeders in school zones.
Commissioner Jeffrey Wasserman believes that installing cameras in school zones is a good idea due to his concerns about speeding around schools. However, he is opposed to having too many cameras throughout Coconut Creek as he feels it would be like living under “Big Brother’s” surveillance.
Commissioner John Brodie asked how long it would take to train officers to render citations. He was told it would take about two weeks. Brody noted that a timeline to implement the program is important.
The commissioners were told that the cameras could be placed in front of all the city’s schools, but it has not been determined where they would actually be placed. The cost of the program has also not been established.
Commissioner Joshua Rydell said the speed camera program would not cost taxpayers any money and would generate money for Coconut Creek.
Interim Police Chief Fred Hofer believes other cities have generated money through this program that will cover the salaries of the police personnel who will be working with the cameras.
Vice Mayor Jackie Railey asked if the speed cameras would be placed in front of all schools where there is a need. She was told that this would be decided at a later meeting.
Hofer mentioned that RedSpeed conducted a study to identify the locations with the highest number of drivers exceeding the speed limit by ten miles per hour in school zones. He also stated that the program would generate revenue and require the hiring of a full-time service aide. Additionally, Hofer claimed that when drivers are aware of speed cameras in school zones, instances of speeding decrease by 60 to 90 percent.
A second reading of the ordinance is planned for July 11.
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