School Zone cameras in effect for summer school
School zone cameras along Cape Coral roadways will be active in front of six schools to coincide with summer school activities.
The cameras will be active, and applicable speed zones speeds enforced, in a window before and after school program times as well as while schools are in session. Times and dates vary with some cameras currently operational and others pending.
Schools include:
• Oasis Elementary from July 7 through July 18, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday-Thursday.
• Oasis Middle from June 9 through June 20, from 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday.
• Gulf Elementary from June 23 through July 17, from 8 a.m.-noon, Monday-Thursday
• Cape Coral Elementary from June 23 through July 17, from 8 a.m.-noon, Monday-Thursday.
• Mid Cape Global Academy from June 9 through July 11, from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday-Thursday.
• Diplomat Elementary from June 23, through July 17, from 8 a.m.-noon, Monday-Thursday.
According to the Cape Coral Police Department, the cameras will only be active during these times with clear signage.
Seventeen schools had RedZone cameras installed this past school year to help protect children, and staff, as well as motorist during school hours.
“The City of Cape Coral has implemented the RedSpeed Camera program to reduce speeding and increase awareness in school zones. Automated enforcement provides consistent and fair enforcement of traffic laws, helping to improve driving behavior and keep students safer during school hours,” Public Affairs Officer Lisa Greenberg said.
She said the city is are still receiving about 1,000 violations per day.
Notices have issued, following a warning period, to vehicular speeds more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit. The registered owner receives a notice of violation and a fine of $100. There are no impacts to insurance for this violation, or points assessed on the driver’s license if paid.
Greenberg said they had one zone that had a clerical error that resulted in 84 people receiving violations that were immediately thrown out once they knew the timing was off.
The cameras operated 30 minutes before the start of the school breakfast program, during school hours, and 30 minutes after school ends. The reduced speed limit is enforced when the school zone lights are flashing. When not flashing during school hours, the regular posted speed limit applies.
“All collected funds go to the city of Cape Coral and are restricted to public safety use as outlined by Florida Law,” she said.
Studies were used to determine which areas needed the cameras the most.
“The RedSpeed cameras will be active once again for the upcoming school year. There are not plans to expand the program at this time,” she said.
Schools that have the cameras set up include Ida S. Baker High School, Challenger Middle School, Diplomat Middle School, Mariner Middle School, Trafalgar Middle School, Cape Elementary School, Diplomat Elementary School, Gulf Elementary School, Oasis Charter Elementary School North, Patriot Elementary School, Skyline Elementary School, Trafalgar Elementary School, Heritage Charter Academy, St. Andrew Catholic School, Nicaea Academy and Cape Coral Christian School.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com