Alachua County school zone cameras log thousands of violations in first week

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Speed cameras in school zones across Alachua County have recorded more than 2,400 violations in their first week, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

The cameras, which launched April 24 as part of the county’s School Zone Speed Enforcement Program, are currently installed at two locations: near Chiles Elementary School and along Southwest 75th Street by Wiles Elementary School and Kanapaha Middle School. There are two cameras at each site.

On the first day alone, deputies say 187 violations were recorded near Chiles Elementary on Southwest 24th Avenue, while 253 violations were recorded near Wiles Elementary and Kanapaha Middle School on School House Road.

RELATED: Alachua County school zone speed enforcement issues 440 violations on day one of warning period

Officials say drivers are averaging speeds of 37 to 38 miles per hour in active school zones, where the posted limit is 20 miles per hour.

The program targets drivers going 11 miles per hour or more over the speed limit during school hours. Cameras are active during designated weekday times, typically from early morning through the afternoon.

For now, the program is in a warning phase. Starting May 24, drivers caught speeding could face a $100 citation. The citations are administrative, meaning they do not add points to a driver’s license or impact insurance. However, deputies warn that drivers pulled over for the same behavior could face higher fines, points on their license, and insurance consequences.

Some residents living near school zones say the high number of violations is not surprising.

Richard Albrecht, who lives near one of the soon-to-be monitored areas, said increased traffic has made safety a growing concern for families.

“School zones got busier ok, they need to really bring the speed limit down and help the kids, the kids really need to be safe when they go across to schools,” Albrecht said. “We have 72 homes in here and there are a lot of children that come up here and cross over every day, so.”

Albrecht also said he believes more law enforcement presence could help alongside the cameras.

“I just wish we had more police officers… they just need to be able to help out the community,” he said.

While some have asked about expanding the program, sheriff’s officials say there are currently no additional installations scheduled. The focus remains on evaluating the existing cameras and addressing any issues before moving forward with enforcement and expansion.

If the program does expand, officials say future locations could include Meadowbrook Elementary School on Northwest 39th Avenue and Idylwild Elementary School on Southwest Williston Road, based on speed studies.

Officials note that any cameras near Talbot Elementary School would fall under the City of Gainesville.

Law enforcement says the goal is simple: slow drivers down and keep students safe as they travel to and from school.

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