With the new school year set to begin next week, local law enforcement reminds drivers to slow down when traveling through school zones.\u00a0<\/p>\n
RedSpeed, photo-enforced cameras, are once again going to be in effect on school days. The cameras are active 30 minutes before school starts, during school hours, and 30 minutes after school ends. RedSpeed Cameras are not active on weekends, holidays, and non-instructional days.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTo protect children, staff, and motorists, the City of Cape Coral has implemented the RedSpeed Camera program to reduce speeding and increase awareness in school zones,\u201d said Cape Coral Police Department officials. \u201cAutomated enforcement provides consistent and fair enforcement of traffic laws, helping to improve driving behavior and keep students safer during school hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit by more than 10 mph will receive a violation. CCPD officials said 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Violations carry a $100 \u201ccivil violation,\u201d where a notice is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.\u00a0No points are assessed on the driver\u2019s license, and does not impact insurance. Payment instructions are included with the notice, and owners may submit an affidavit if someone else was driving.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to Cape Coral police officials, \u201cRedSpeed 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials said 39,033 citations were issued last year. <\/p>\n
Of each $100 fine:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 $39 goes to the city for public safety initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 $21 is paid to RedSpeed USA for vendor operations and technology maintenance<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 $20 is remitted to the Department of Revenue for the General Revenue Fund.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 $12 goes toward supporting school security, student transportation, and walking safety initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 $5 goes toward funding the School Guard Recruitment and Retention Program.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 $3 goes toward the Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund.<\/p>\n
RedSpeed cameras have been permitted at the following school zones:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Ida S. Baker High School \u2013 3500 Agualinda Blvd.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Challenger Middle School \u2013 624 Trafalgar Parkway<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Diplomat Middle School \u2013 1039 NE 16th Terrace<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Mariner Middle School \u2013 425 Chiquita Blvd. N.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Trafalgar Middle School \u2013 2120 Trafalgar Parkway<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Cape Elementary School \u2013 4519 Vincennes Blvd.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Diplomat Elementary School \u2013 1115 NE 16th Terrace<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Gulf Elementary School \u2013 3400 SW 17th Place<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Oasis Charter Elementary School (North) \u2013 2817 SW 3rd Lane<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Patriot Elementary School \u2013 711 SW 18th St.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Pelican Elementary School \u2013 3525 SW 3rd Ave.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Skyline Elementary School \u2013 620 SW 19th St.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Trafalgar Elementary School \u2013 1850 SW 20th Ave.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 St. Andrew Catholic School \u2013 1509 SE 27th St.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Thrive Academy-3301 Chiquita Blvd. S.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Cape Coral Christian School \u2013 811 Santa Barbara Blvd.<\/p>\n
Police officials state system errors are screened and rejected before notices are sent. <\/p>\n
Drivers may contest a notice of violation by requesting a hearing before a local magistrate. Instructions to contest are included with the violation. If no action is taken, the citation is transferred to county court. <\/p>\n
Drivers may also contact RedSpeed directly at (630) 317-5700.<\/p>\n