Pembroke Park approves first reading of ordinance allowing speed cameras in school zones

The Town of Pembroke Park commission on March 13 approved first reading of Ordinance 2025-02, which would add a code section allowing speed detection systems (photo enforcement) in school zones and provide for school-crossing guard recruitment and retention programs.

The ordinance tracks recent state law amendments that specifically permit camera-based speed detection in school zones, the town attorney said. The attorney clarified that data from speed cameras has restricted uses, primarily limited to civil penalties for speeding in school zones and not for general law-enforcement surveillance; any incidental capture of other offenses is governed by statute.

Supporters, including Commissioner Jacobs, said the systems are a safety tool that reduce speeding when paired with an information program. Jacobs offered to return to the commission with a statistical analysis after a year of operations and urged vendor contracts to include public-warning measures. Opponents, including Mayor Mohammed, said cameras that issue tickets by mail weeks later do not provide immediate deterrence and risk being perceived as a revenue source rather than a safety tool; the mayor said on-site officers achieve stronger immediate deterrence.

The ordinance is on first reading and would return for a second reading and adoption at a subsequent meeting if the commission proceeds. The town attorney and manager said adopting the ordinance does not obligate the town to implement a camera program or select a vendor; those steps would follow if the commission authorizes them.

Vote on first reading: recorded roll call (as announced): Clerk Commissioner Hodgkins — yes; Vice Mayor Morissette — yes; Commissioner Jacobs — yes; Mayor Mohammed — no; Acting Clerk Commissioner Kashem — yes. The item will return for a second reading at a future meeting.