RedSpeed camera initiative results in more than 12,000 ‘civil violations’
$100 fine for going more than 10 mph over limit in school zones
Those who speed through school zones are paying the price in Cape Coral.
The Cape Coral Police Department’s recent partnership with RedSpeed started in April, and since, more than 12,000 infractions have been mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
From April 1 to July 29, 12,509 notices of violation were issued for being recorded going 10 mph over the reduced speed limit within the zone, CCPD officials said today at a “town hall-style” media event called to provide an update on the program.
Of those, 8,870 have been paid (71%), with 2,031 pending issuance (16%) as a uniform traffic citation.
There have been 267 violations contested, with one being dismissed thus far.
The fine is $100 per violation.
The city implemented the RedSpeed Camera program to protect children, staff, and motorists by reducing speeding and increasing awareness in school zones, officials said, adding automated enforcement provides “consistent and fair” enforcement of traffic laws, helping to improve driving behavior and keep students safer during school hours.
“The success of this program will be measured by a change in behavior — fewer people speeding on our roadways,” said CCPD Public Affairs Officer Lisa Greenberg. “This program has not been in place long enough to measure that success. However, we are hopeful that this school year will show a marked decrease in violations, and therefore, prove to be a success.”
RedSpeed cameras have been permitted at: 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, Pelican Elementary School, Skyline Elementary School, Trafalgar Elementary School, Heritage Charter Academy, St. Andrew Catholic School, Nicaea Academy, and Cape Coral Christian School.
Cameras operate on school days and are active 30 minutes before school starts, during school hours, and 30 minutes after school ends.
When school zone lights are flashing, the reduced speed limit is enforced. When lights are not flashing during school hours, the regular posted speed limit applies.
In both cases, drivers who exceed the applicable limit by more than 10 mph will receive a violation.
The cameras are not active on weekends, holidays and non-instructional days.
CCPD officials said the top speed recorded while the school zone speed limit was in effect (20 mph) was 65 mph at Cape Christian School.
The top speed recorded while regular posted speed limit was in effect (45 mph) was 92 mph at Skyline Elementary School.
“It is critical for drivers to abide by the speed limits in school zones for the safety of the children walking and biking to school,” Greenberg said. “Speeding is a danger to all drivers and anyone on the road.”
The $100 civil violation is issued if a driver exceeds the posted speed limit by more than 10 mph in an active school zone. CCPD officials state that RedSpeed cameras use radar or laser technology to detect speeding vehicles in active school zones. When a vehicle exceeds the limit by more than 10 mph, the system captures photographic and video evidence. A certified law enforcement officer or traffic infraction enforcement officer reviews the violation before issuing a citation.
“RedSpeed cameras provide consistent, daily enforcement in school zones without requiring additional officer staffing,” CCPD officials said. “They promote safer driving behavior, reduce the likelihood of accidents involving children, and allow sworn personnel to focus on other public safety priorities.”
A Notice of Violation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. No points are assessed on the driver license, and the violation does not impact insurance.
CCPD officials said speed measurement devices are calibrated at least once a year by a third-party vendor. Per state law, equipment has to go through operational testing once a month, but RedSpeed does it daily.
The money is divided among various government entities and the vendor.
CCPD officials said 39% stays with city for public safety initiatives, 12% goes to the school district for safety initiatives, 5% goes to the School Crossing Guard Program, 21% goes to RedSpeed for operations/maintenance, and the remaining 23% goes to the state.
The CCPD has an FAQ posted to its website. For more information visit: https://capecops.com/virtual-kiosk/redspeed-cameras-faq/
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com