More on Florida school zone FRAUD.
While the new law mandates signs be posted when designated school speed zone times are enforced, when it comes to signs with a flashing beacon, it’s not clear if the beacon must be flashing for a driver to be caught and cited.
So the yellow light can be OFF and they still cite.
What a Safety Fraud!
This should be criminal to for any vendor to cite with yellow light off on lower limit.
Thank your rep for this Safety Fraud!
Read the full article at ABC Action News
Summary of Florida School Speed Zone Camera Confusion
As Florida cities increasingly implement school speed zone cameras to enhance safety, drivers are expressing significant confusion regarding the clarity of the signage associated with these zones. This confusion has led to a wave of citations and frustrations among motorists who feel misled by the current regulations.
Key Points
- Confusion Over Signage: Many drivers report that school zone signs are unclear, particularly regarding when speed limits are enforced. This has resulted in multiple citations for some individuals who believed they were adhering to the law.
- Financial Impact: Citations for speeding in school zones can amount to $100 each, leading to substantial financial burdens for drivers caught unaware by the confusing signage.
- Legal Challenges: Some drivers have appealed their citations, arguing that the lack of clarity in signage contributed to their violations. In some cases, magistrates have acknowledged the confusion but have not always dismissed the tickets.
- Legislative Response: Concerns raised by drivers have prompted discussions among lawmakers about the need for clearer regulations regarding school zone signage and enforcement.
- Public Sentiment: Many drivers feel that the camera system is more about generating revenue than ensuring safety, leading to perceptions of entrapment.
Detailed Breakdown
Confusion Over Signage
Drivers like Joe Weaver and Martha Foster have expressed frustration over the lack of clear indicators of when school zone speed limits apply. For instance, signs that state speed limits drop when flashing can mislead drivers if the flashing lights are not operational. Juan Calderon noted that some signs present multiple enforcement times, creating additional confusion.
Financial Burden
The financial consequences of these citations can be severe. Calderon received three tickets totaling $300 within a month, a significant amount for many families. Foster, on a fixed income, similarly found herself overwhelmed by the unexpected fines.
Legal Challenges and Outcomes
Drivers have taken their grievances to court, where magistrates have sometimes sided with them. For example, Magistrate Dr. Thomas Santarlas acknowledged that if the flashing light is not active, drivers might reasonably assume the speed limit is safe to follow. However, even with this understanding, not all appeals result in ticket dismissals.
Legislative Response
In light of the confusion, Republican State Representative Susan Valdes, who co-sponsored the bill legalizing these cameras, has recognized the need for potential legislative revisions. During an interview, she questioned the logic behind enforcing speed limits when the signage lacks clarity, indicating a willingness to address these concerns in future legislative sessions.
Public Sentiment
The overarching sentiment among drivers is one of frustration and a feeling of being unfairly targeted. Many believe that the school zone camera program prioritizes revenue generation over genuine safety concerns. This perception is compounded by the inconsistent application of the law, where some drivers receive tickets while others may not, depending on the clarity of the signs.
Notable Quotes & Data
- Joe Weaver remarked, “One shouldn’t have to guess or be baffled by what’s right and what’s wrong,” highlighting the frustration felt by many drivers.
- Calderon described the experience as “entrapment,” emphasizing the need for clearer regulations.
Context & Implications
The implementation of school speed zone cameras in Florida is intended to enhance safety in school areas, but the current confusion surrounding signage and enforcement raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the program. As lawmakers consider revisions to the law, the outcomes could shape how speed enforcement is conducted in the future, potentially leading to clearer guidelines that benefit both drivers and school safety initiatives.
In conclusion, while the goal of improving safety around schools is commendable, the execution of the school speed zone camera program requires urgent attention to signage clarity and enforcement practices to ensure that drivers are adequately informed and not unfairly penalized.