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Delray adopts state-enabled school-zone automated speed detection; nine schools cleared for devices
Summary
Following a traffic study, the commission adopted an ordinance enabling automated speed detection systems in school zones. Staff and vendor RedSpeed identified nine schools with sustained speeding above thresholds; notices and a 30-day warning period will precede citation issuance
The City Commission on May 20 adopted an ordinance implementing automated speed-detection systems in school zones after staff presented a traffic study identifying school zones with heightened speeding risk.
Delray Beach Police Chief introduced the ordinance and Lieutenant staff with vendor RedSpeed explained the technical and operational plan. RedSpeed and the city conducted multi-day traffic studies across candidate school zones and found 10 school-zone locations where the measured counts met the threshold used in the city’s analysis: at least about 100 motorists a day traveling more than 10 mph above the posted school-zone speed limit during school hours.
Vendor representatives described device operations and timing rules set by state law. Cameras will run from 30 minutes before a school’s first session or breakfast program to 30 minutes after the last session; enforcement is limited to school days and those time windows. Devices capture rear images, and the civil notice is $100; the statutorily required $60 distribution supports local program administration and school-safety initiatives, with specified shares to the state and school district.
The city will conduct a public education campaign and post warning signage a minimum of 100 feet before the school-zone signage. The vendor and staff said a 30-day warning period will be used when a site is first activated; mailed warnings replicate the format of the later notice of violation but do not carry a penalty.
Chief and staff emphasized that the program aims to reduce dangerous speeding near students and create an enforcement presence at all school zones simultaneously via technology; the commission adopted the ordinance unanimously. Staff will report annual results and metrics to the commission and the city’s local hearing process will adjudicate disputed notices.
Ending: Staff said activation timing will start after the public-education period and device installation; police and the vendor will work with schools and communications staff to maximize awareness before citations begin.
