Wellington starts School Zone Speed Camera Program

Wellington students walk with their bikes across a crosswalk next to school. [Photo by Village of Wellington]

The Village of Wellington is implementing a new School Zone Safety Camera Program this school year to enhance student safety and reduce traffic-related incidents.

The initiative’s warning phase runs from Aug. 11 through Sept. 12, during which motorists who speed in designated school zones will receive warnings. Official enforcement, including citations, begins Sept. 15.

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Speed safety cameras will be installed near the following schools:

·       Wellington Elementary.

·       New Horizons Elementary.

·       Panther Run Elementary.

·       Binks Forest Elementary.

·       Elbridge Gale Elementary.

·       Equestrian Trails Elementary.

·       Somerset Academy.

·       Wellington Landings Middle.

·       Emerald Cove Middle.

·       Polo Park Middle.

·       Wellington High.

The program is part of Wellington’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries while promoting safe mobility.

Map of where speed cameras are located. [By Village of Wellington]

According to the village, speeding through school zones remains a major safety concern. Nationally, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. The use of automated speed enforcement is intended to curb dangerous driving behaviors, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity during school hours.

A violation occurs when a driver travels through a school zone at 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit. Enforcement applies even when school zone warning lights are not flashing if school is in session. Specific enforcement hours vary by location and can be found at wellingtonfl.gov/schoolzonesafety.

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Each violation is subject to a $100 civil fine. Notices of violation are sent by mail. Violations do not result in court points or affect insurance, but failure to pay the fine can lead to a uniform traffic citation and additional penalties, including court costs.

Wellington joins other Florida municipalities, including Miami-Dade, Lakeland and Orlando, in adopting this technology to improve road safety around schools.