Report: automated school‑zone cameras dramatically cut speeding; commission accepts annual report

The City Commission on Sept. 15 accepted the High Springs Police Department’s annual automatic school‑zone speed enforcement report, citing a large decline in speeding where cameras have been installed.

Chief Antoine Shepherd presented the required report and said the automated program issued 2,669 notices of violation during the reporting period. Shepherd reported that roughly 2,300 of those notices were resolved by payment or administrative dismissal; about 250 cases advanced to uniform traffic citation status and five cases were contested before the commission or hearing body. Shepherd said traffic studies show a 99% reduction in vehicles exceeding the posted school‑zone threshold since the program’s implementation.

Program purpose and funds

Shepherd emphasized the program’s safety goal. Funds collected from citations are restricted by statute to public‑safety purposes such as equipment, crossing‑guard support or related recruitment and retention activities; the chief said he welcomed the revenue decline because it indicates drivers are complying with the law.

Operation and costs

Commissioners asked whether the cameras may be placed elsewhere; Shepherd said state statute limits automated camera use to qualified school zones and requires a traffic‑safety determination before placement. He and staff said ongoing maintenance and operation of the camera system cost the city nothing under the program’s contract.

Local reaction and next steps

Members of the public and commissioners praised crossing‑guard staff and noted the program’s behavior‑change effect. The commission voted to accept the annual report; staff will continue to monitor zone performance and revisit placement after periodic reviews.