In a serious step towards enhancing scholar security, the Broward County Fee handed a brand new ordinance regulating pace limits at school zones and authorizing the usage of automated enforcement programs. The measure, authorised on the April 22 fee assembly, was developed over the previous yr by Commissioner Steve Geller and applies to unincorporated areas of Broward County.
The ordinance formally establishes a college zone pace restrict of 15 miles per hour, in impact half-hour earlier than and after scheduled faculty applications or periods. It additionally permits for pace detection programs—reminiscent of automated cameras—to be put in in designated zones to establish violations. These programs are supposed to scale back rushing in areas with heightened security dangers, reminiscent of close to Meadowbrook Elementary and Dillard Excessive Faculty.
The ordinance defines key phrases—together with “faculty zone,” “pace detection system,” and “visitors infraction enforcement officer”—to make sure constant interpretation and enforcement throughout the county. It was enacted underneath the authority of Florida Statute Chapter 316, which governs motorcar operations and visitors security statewide.
Beneath the brand new guidelines, pace detection programs have to be put in in a manner that enables drivers at the least 100 toes to decelerate earlier than getting into the enforcement zone. A quotation is issued if a automobile exceeds the posted faculty zone restrict by greater than 10 miles per hour through the designated instances.
Along with enforcement instruments, the ordinance outlines a full listening to and appeals course of for alleged violators. A neighborhood listening to officer will adjudicate instances, and procedures are in place to make sure due course of.
Commissioner Geller expressed hope that the ordinance will assist scale back traffic-related accidents and fatalities amongst college students. “My hope is that this ordinance will scale back incidents of damage or demise to college students as they safely enter and go away their faculties. Please be thoughtful of pedestrians when driving by faculty zones,” he urged.
