A school speed zone is shown at a Neptune Beach elementary school. | News4JAX
Published on March 17, 2025 at 3:19 pm
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The city of Palatka is one step closer to installing speed zone cameras in its school zones now that the City Commission is reviewing the idea.
Commissioners said the cameras are part of a broader effort to reduce the risks of accidents around schools. The commission last week passed the proposal on to a second reading at its next meeting, on March 27.
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The state Legislature passed a bill in 2023 that authorizes municipalities to operate speed detection devices to enforce speed limits in and around schools throughout the entire school day to enhance student and staff safety.
If approved, Palatka’s speed cameras would be active only at certain times, and drivers would not be fined at first, according to the bill before the City Commission.
“This warning period will encourage drivers to slow down and change their driving habits,” the staff summary reads. “During this warning period, violators will receive a warning in the mail that carries no fine. Speed cameras will be active and enforced on school days from 30 minutes before school starts until 30 minutes after school has ended. This violation is a civil violation and is not considered a traffic violation.”
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Palatka’s school zones would be marked with more speed limit signs if the speed cameras are adopted, as well as others alerting drivers that speed is enforced by cameras.
Anyone driving 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit in school zones would get a violation in the mail. When they are issued, the fines would cost $100 each. The legislation does not indicate when speed cameras would be installed or where.
Officials in Neptune Beach recently passed similar legislation activating speed zone cameras at some schools. The zones are enforced during school hours when children are going to or from class.
Cameras are set for Florida Boulevard at Beaches Chapel School,and along the same road at Neptune Beach Elementary School, as well as west on Seagate Avenue at Fletcher High School. The camera system reads license plates, and tickets will be issued by mail after officers review the incident, Beaches officials said.
The Neptune Beach camera will be shut off on weekends, holiday breaks and during summer vacation, police said.
Neptune Beach officials gave drivers a warning period that will end in the middle of next month. Fines of $100 each will then begin to be levied, city officials said. The tickets are fines and not speeding violations, officials said.
