BY MELISSA PYLE
Special to the Telegraph
Cameras are now live and sending out warnings to anyone speeding in school zones in Lawtey.
On April 1, the city’s RedSpeed USA traffic camera program began its trial phase. During this phase citations were sent out to anyone caught traveling more than 11 miles over the posted school zone speed limit.
Beginning May 1, the warning phase is over, and the program will be sending citations of $100 to anyone violating the posted speeds during school zone hours.
Lawtey Police Department Maj. Nathan Blom stated there have been almost 3,700 violations so far for the month. Of those, only 1,112 were Florida residents, and they received a warning in the mail. Based on data received, Jacksonville and Lawtey residents are the top two offenders for speeding in the school zones.
Blom said the cameras are only on during school hours and only being used to catch drivers during posted school zone times when they are expected to slow down. Drivers need to be aware of the flashing lights and signage to avoid speeding during these times.
The school zones are located on U.S. 301 and C.R. 225.
Lawtey receives 100% of the funds from the citations but must disburse the revenue as follows: 39% to Lawtey public safety, 23% to the state of Florida, 21% to RedSpeed USA, 12% to Bradford County School Board (for transportation, sidewalks and security), and 5% is to be used to hire school crossing guards.
According to RedSpeed USA, the Florida Legislature passed HB657 in 2023, which paved the way for local communities to introduce automated speed devices in school zones.
“Speed devices are unbiased and equal in their enforcement of traffic laws. They do not discriminate based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status – ensuring everyone is held accountable for their actions,” the company stated in a press release.
“No student should feel that crossing the street is a life-threatening decision and RedSpeed USA is proud to partner with local governments to put safety measures in place that make our streets safer around schools,” said Greg Parks, senior vice president with RedSpeed USA.
“Fast and reckless driving is an unacceptable, preventable risk to the safety of our school children, and it is our responsibility to address the issue with reasonable solutions. This is why we partnered with RedSpeed USA and are live with the program around our local schools,” said Lawtey Police Chief Jerry Feltner.
RedSpeed USA has won procurements in eight local jurisdictions in Florida, including Manatee and Miami-Dade counties, and the cities of Pinecrest, South Miami, Miami Gardens, Lawtey, High Springs and Palm Bay.
