Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Zone Cameras topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge review of automated school-zone camera enforcement, say notices lack warning
Summary
Multiple Miami Gardens residents told the council they are receiving $100 automated tickets from school-zone cameras when flashing lights are not active and requested better notice and signage; police staff agreed to meet with complainants outside the meeting.
During public comment at the March 26 City Council meeting, multiple residents raised concerns about automated school-zone camera enforcement and the lack of warning when cameras are active.
Residents from Lake Lucerne and other neighborhoods said they received notices or fines and that school-zone flashing lights were not in place at the time of the alleged violations. "How is the road ... properly maintained as school zones when there are no school zone flashing lights in place?" asked Jennifer Nehofer, who referenced behavior near the Robert Renick Education Center. She said a county agency had been identified by staff as the responsible party but asked the council to follow up.
Reggie White said residents were receiving $100 tickets without advance warning: "Give us a warning. Say something to us. We just ride in the public when we get home ... We have a hundred dollar ticket in the mailbox. For what reason?" Timothy Reed and Yvonne Porter raised similar concerns and said the camera operating times and signage should be reviewed; Reed asked the council to "review that because that's a major problem." Porter told the council she could not afford the $100 fine on a fixed income.
Staff advised complainants that the police department's assistant chief or a member of the department could meet with residents outside the chambers to explain camera operation, and several speakers were invited to step outside for follow-up.
Ending — Council took no formal action during the meeting but staff offered to meet with affected residents outside the meeting to review camera schedules and enforcement procedures. Several residents asked for clearer signage, public notice and outreach to minimize surprise citations.
