Charlotte County schools install speed cameras, fines begin April 1st

Charlotte County is gearing up to implement speed detection cameras in school zones, adding a layer of surveillance to ensure student safety. The cameras will soon be active, capturing images of speeding vehicles' license plates.

These cameras will begin their warning period on Feb. 27, lasting until March 31. Starting April 1, speeding in a school zone will result in a $100 fine.

Briana Lacko, a Charlotte County parent, shared her thoughts on the new safety measures.

"It might make people really pay attention to what they're doing, if there's more surveillance on the issue," said Lacko. "I mean, it's really unfortunate that it has to come to that to keep our kids safe."

Danielle Spong, another concerned parent, voiced her worries.

"There's so many people that speed by like they don't care," said Spong. "I have a special needs son who can get into the road, and you can speed by, and there's so many accidents that can occur at any moment."

The cameras will be operational 30 minutes before school breakfast programs begin until 30 minutes after school starts, and again in the afternoon, 30 minutes before dismissal until 30 minutes after school ends.

Charlotte County schools slated to have these cameras include Deep Creek, Liberty, Neil Armstrong, and Peace River elementary schools, L.A. Ainger, Murdock, and Port Charlotte middle schools, and Lemon Bay and Port Charlotte high schools. Five additional elementary schools will be added later.

All violations will undergo a three-stage review process. If a citation is appealed and upheld, the fine increases to $350.

In Punta Gorda, a separate contract with the company "Red Speed" will bring similar cameras to Sallie Jones Elementary School, Punta Gorda Middle School, and Charlotte High School once finalized.