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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BaySeptember 1, 2026Hillsborough

Sarasota Police report 70% reduction in school zone speeding via camera enforcement program

Sarasota police report that a school zone safety camera program has reduced speeding violations by over 70% since its implementation two years ago. The system automatically issues $100 violation notices to drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit in designated school zones.

traffic safetyschool zoneslaw enforcementspeeding
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Why It Matters

Drivers in Sarasota school zones face $100 automated fines for speeding, which can escalate to $206 citations if left unpaid, regardless of whether school zone lights are flashing.

Key Facts

  • The school zone safety camera program has reduced traffic violations by over 70% since its inception.
  • The program is currently in its second year of operation.
  • Cameras automatically issue $100 violation notices to drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit.
  • Unpaid violation notices can escalate into a $206 uniform traffic citation.
  • Cameras monitor traffic whenever school is in session, even if school zone lights are not flashing.
  • The camera system does not use license plate reader technology and does not store data.
  • The system only captures images of vehicles speeding in designated school safety areas.
  • A specific vehicle was recorded speeding at 53, 83, 65, and 62 mph in a 40 mph zone over four days in August.

Who's Mentioned

locationTuttle Elementary“School zone where speeding violations were recorded.”personJohn Lake“Manager of the Sarasota Police Department's Real Time Operation Center.”locationAltavista Elementary“School zone where speeding violations were recorded.”organizationSarasota Police Department“The agency operating the school zone safety camera program.”