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Panama City to launch automated school‑zone photo enforcement as school year begins
Summary
Panama City commissioners briefed on a Red Speed automated school‑zone camera program and signaled a short enforcement trial timed with the start of school; vendors and police described reporting and site controls while commissioners pressed for traffic‑count context and consistency across zones.
The Panama City Commission discussed an automated school‑zone photo‑enforcement program during a virtual workshop, with vendors and police saying the system will go live as the upcoming school year begins. Assistant City Manager Jared Jones said the city has worked with Red Speed for more than a year and staff intend to put cameras into operation for the start of classes.
Red Speed representative Greg Parks told the commission his company has worked in the photo‑enforcement business since 1994 and cited rapid reductions in speeding where the company operates. "We anticipate Speedy will reduce 90 plus percent over the next year," Parks said. Commissioners agreed to a short warning period and discussed whether a longer sample would be needed before any permanent adjustments to locations or hours.
Commissioners said they want site‑by‑site data and comparable traffic counts to judge whether cameras should operate only during drop‑off and pick‑up windows or throughout the day at some locations. City staff also noted the city attorney has advised the manager may have authority to remove equipment if data show enforcement is unnecessary.
The commission did not take a vote at the workshop; staff committed to produce traffic‑volume‑adjusted reports and to return the issue for a formal decision at a later meeting.
