When it comes to school zones, the rules are simple: slow down. Yet, despite clear signs and flashing lights, many drivers continue to speed, putting children at risk.
To tackle the issue, Manatee County in Florida introduced speed cameras, and the results are striking.
Since November 1, cameras installed in school zones across the Bradenton area have issued 5,716 fines, generating £439,000 in revenue, according to Boosted.
Each ticket costs £77, a price drivers now pay for ignoring speed limits near schools. Before going live, the cameras operated in a trial phase starting in August, issuing over 10,000 warnings to speeding drivers without any fines.
The cameras are active only during specific hours: 30 minutes before and after school. They catch drivers going more than 16 km/h (10 mph) over the limit.
Local officials say the goal is safety, not profit. "If drivers simply follow the speed limits, there’s no reason to worry about fines," said Sheriff Rick Wells.
The funds raised are divided across several entities. The county receives £50 per ticket, the state takes £18, and the school district gets £9.
Meanwhile, RedSpeed, the private company behind the installation, earns £15 for every violation. RedSpeed has already collected £87,000 since the program began, and local officials see the partnership as a cost-effective solution to enhance road safety.
School district spokesperson Mike Barber highlighted the initiative's importance. He emphasized that the cameras are about protecting children and families, especially during busy school commutes.
While the cameras have proven effective in curbing reckless driving, some drivers remain frustrated by the sudden enforcement. Officials argue that compliance is a small price to pay for increased safety in school zones.
