FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 8, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sgt. Fernando Bosch
(305) 668-2488
Fbosch@southmiamipdfl.gov
South Miami Police Implements Advanced Speed Detection Systems to Enhance School Zone Safety
South Miami, FL – South Miami is taking a significant step towards enhancing school zone safety with the introduction of cutting-edge speed detection systems, following the enactment of House Bill 657. This legislation, effective July 1st, 2023, under Chapter 2023-174 of the Laws of Florida, empowers municipalities to use speed detection systems to enforce school zone speeding violations exceeding 10 miles over the posted speed limit during designated times.
In response to this new legislation, South Miami Commissioners adopted an ordinance on March 19th, 2024, which authorizes the installation and operation of speed detection systems (SDS) and establishes traffic enforcement procedures specifically for school zones. This proactive measure is designed to improve safety for students, parents, and school staff.
Traffic studies conducted by RedSpeed Florida have identified several school zones as high-risk areas that necessitate enhanced enforcement. The following locations will be equipped with speed detection systems under Section 316.008(9), FSS:
1. Ludlam Elementary School – 6639 SW 74th St
2. Somerset Academy South Miami Charter School – 5876 SW 68th St
3. South Miami K-8 Center – 6800 SW 60th Street
4. South Miami Middle School – 6750 SW 60th St
5. Mandelstam School and Epiphany Catholic School – 8530 SW 57th Ave and 5557 SW 84th St
Chief Hatfield of South Miami Police Department commented, “The implementation of the Speed School Zone system will be a great tool to slow down drivers and bring awareness to the school zones. The cameras will be operational 30 minutes before the start of school, throughout the school day, and 30 minutes after school ends. Enforcement will not occur outside of school hours, on holidays, or weekends.”
An added benefit of these photo enforcement cameras is the optimization of law enforcement resources. By handling speed enforcement during school hours Monday through Friday, officers will be available to respond to other community calls and emergencies.
The speed detection systems are expected to be fully operational by August15,2024. This initiative reflects South Miami’s commitment to creating a safer environment for its students and reinforcing traffic safety in school zones. For more information about the speed detection systems and traffic safety measures, please visit www.southmiamifl.gov.
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