School Speed Zones start April 1 in Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Charlotte County will begin issuing citations for school zone speeding violations starting April 1, according to a press release.

The warning phase of the county's school zone speed enforcement camera program ends March 31. Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph will receive a $100 citation notice by mail approximately three days after the violation.

For example, driving 31 mph in a 20-mph school zone will result in a citation. A law enforcement officer or traffic infraction enforcement officer will review each violation before any citation is issued.

Drivers who receive a violation notice have three options: pay the violation, submit an affidavit explaining an exception to liability under Florida State Statute 316.1896(8) or request a hearing.

The first phase includes cameras at nine Charlotte County schools: Lemon Bay High School, Port Charlotte High School, Port Charlotte Middle School, L.A. Ainger Middle School, Murdock Middle School, Peace River Elementary, Neil Armstrong Elementary, Liberty Elementary and Deep Creek Elementary.

Cameras will only operate on school days during specific times. They will be active 30 minutes before a regularly scheduled breakfast program to 30 minutes after the start of the school day, and 30 minutes before and after school ends.

Times will be posted in each school zone specific to that school's schedule.

Watch a video about the school zone speed enforcement cameras here.