Panama City to run 30‑day data review after installing school speed cameras; tickets limited to school hours

Panama City officials told the town‑hall audience that automated speed cameras planned for school zones will begin with a data‑collection period and that tickets will be issued only during school‑hour windows defined by state law.

Staff described the deployment schedule and said the vendor will provide a 30‑day data report once the cameras are installed; the report will show volumes and times when vehicles are being ticketed so the city can determine whether enforcement is focusing on drop‑off and pick‑up periods or becoming a revenue driver. The city manager and commissioners said the system is intended for child safety; staff emphasized that the cameras cannot legally issue speeding citations outside of legally defined school‑hours.

Officials said signs and flashing beacons will be updated so drivers clearly see when school‑zone speeds are in effect. The city also negotiated a contractual right to terminate the program within 30 days if it does not meet expectations; staff said the installation is scheduled to begin later in the year with enforcement phases starting in January. The city will provide the 30‑day data to the commission and the public and consider adjustments to hours and locations based on that report.

Speakers asked for clarity about whether cameras would operate during school vacations and on weekends; staff said cameras will not issue speeding tickets when school hours are not in effect (for example, nights and weekends) but will serve as license‑plate readers 24/7 for other law‑enforcement purposes.