School zone speed enforcement cameras coming to Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

More details were announced Friday after Charlotte County decided to implement cameras to enforce speed in school zones.

According to the county, the first phase is a warning period, and it begins on Feb. 27. Over 30 days, violators will receive a warning notice by mail if they are caught speeding.

Citations will start being issued on April 1. The county said if a vehicle is detected exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph, the registered owner will get a notice of a violation with a fine of $100 about three days after the violation occurred.

Violations will be recorded by the camera system. Before a citation is issued, a law enforcement officer or traffic infraction enforcement officer will review the violation, according to the county.

If someone receives a violation notice, they have three options. The county said they can pay the violation, submit an affidavit explaining an exception to liability under Florida State Statute 316.1896(8), or request a hearing.

Cameras will be at these schools:

• Lemon Bay High School, 2201 Placida Road, Englewood, FL 34224
• Port Charlotte High School, 18200 Cochran Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33948
• Port Charlotte Middle School, 23000 Midway Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33952
• L.A. Ainger Middle School, 245 Cougar Way, Rotonda West, FL 33947
• Murdock Middle School, 17325 Mariner Way, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
• Peace River Elementary, 4070 Beaver Lane, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
• Neil Armstrong Elementary, 22100 Breezeswept Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33952
• Liberty Elementary, 370 Atwater St., Port Charlotte, FL 33954
• Deep Creek Elementary, 26900 Harborview Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33983

Charlotte County said cameras will only operate on school days. They will be active 30 minutes before arriving at a regularly scheduled breakfast program to 30 minutes after the start of the school day, as well as 30 minutes before and after school ends. Times will also be posted in each school zone, specific to the school’s schedule.

If you have any questions or would like more information, click here.

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