Speed detection cameras in Hillsborough County school zones approved by commissioners

Hillsborough Co approves school zone speed cameras

Hillsborough County commissioners unanimously approved a measure to introduce school zone speed detection cameras on Wednesday.

TAMPA, Fla. - On Wednesday, Hillsborough County Commissioners unanimously approved a plan to install speed detection cameras in certain school zones around the district.

The move comes after the Florida Legislature passed a new bill in April authorizing counties to enforce speed limits in school zones using speed detection systems.

Speed detection cameras in school zones

Kellie Cowan reports.

The plan is to initially install cameras in 29 school zones.

File: Speed detection camera

Drivers traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted school zone speed limit during designated hours would receive a $100 ticket in the mail.

Commissioners have said the cameras will only run at times when kids are heading to and from school.

"It's a $100 fine, and the bulk of the money goes directly back to the sheriff’s that must be used to promote school safety. It's not a money grab. It's purely an incentive to encourage people to slow down 11 miles over the speed limit, which is pretty generous. I think that we can all get there," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal.

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The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will oversee the program.

School zone sign

HCSO has identified 29 school zones where motorists routinely exceed applicable school zone speed limits over 11 miles an hour.

While commissioners may expand the list of remotely monitored school zones in the future, the initial rollout under consideration for speed cameras would include the following schools:

Bay Crest Elementary School
4925 Webb Road Tampa, FL 33615

Bloomingdale High School
1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. Valrico, FL 33596

Buchanan Middle School
1001 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL 33613

Burnett Middle School
1010 N. Kingsway Rd. Seffner, FL 33584

Burns Middle School
615 Brooker Rd. Brandon, FL 33511

Citrus Park Elementary School
7700 Gunn Hwy. Tampa, FL 33625

Clair Mel Elementary School
1025 S. 78th 250 Street Tampa, FL 33619

Claywell Elementary School
4500 Northdale Blvd. Tampa, FL 33624

Deer Park Elementary School
11605 Citrus Park Dr. Tampa, FL 33626

Frost Elementary School
3950 S. Falkenburg Rd. Riverview, FL 33578

Giunta Middle School
4202 S. Falkenburg Rd. Riverview, FL 33569

Jennings Middle School
9325 Governors Run Dr. Seffner, FL 33584