ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando is rolling out a new push to protect students, placing 21 speed enforcement cameras in school zones across the city to encourage drivers to ease off the gas when children are nearby.
The move comes after a busy start to the 2025 school year on local roads. During the first week of classes, Orange County deputies conducted close to 700 traffic stops in school zones and issued 249 speeding citations, officials said. Footage shared by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office showed some motorists being pulled over while traveling far above the posted school-zone limits.
Beginning Aug. 11, the Orlando school zone speed cameras will start sending warning notices by mail to drivers caught traveling more than 10 mph over the limit. That grace period will continue through Sept. 24. On Sept. 25, drivers recorded violating the speed limit will face a $100 fine.
City officials said the camera sites were selected following a speed study that looked at which school areas presented greater risks for pedestrians. Factors included road design, prior crashes and patterns of speeding near campuses.
[WATCH: Speed cameras coming to Rock Springs Elementary in Orange County]
Several people who live near the affected schools told News 6 they welcome the added enforcement.
Residents said they hope the visible cameras will serve as a reminder for motorists to pay closer attention and slow down during school hours.
“It should if it just makes people aware that kids are out and about,” said Janice Junkin, who lives in the area.
“It’s good for the residents of the town so that there’s no dispute … and that’s the safety of the children,” Sattler said.
“All the time,” Sattler said when asked whether he sees people speeding in front of schools. “Major distractions with people on the roadway today.”