Wellington Launches New School Zone Safety Camera Program
By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager
Safer streets, safer students: The purpose behind Wellington’s school zone safety camera program is not to generate revenue, but to save lives. Research and real-world data consistently show that automated enforcement programs change driver behavior.
Wellington is launching a new School Zone Safety Camera Program for the 2025-26 school year as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting students and enhancing roadway safety. This forward-thinking initiative, developed in partnership with global technology company Jenoptik, will use state-of-the-art speed safety cameras to enforce speed limits in designated school zones, helping to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, minimize traffic-related injuries and keep children safe on their way to and from school.
The program’s launch reflects Wellington’s strong alignment with Vision Zero, a global strategy aimed at eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all. With traffic crashes now recognized as the leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14 and young adults ages 15 to 29, Wellington’s investment in enforcement technology is not just timely, it’s essential.
The speed detection system cameras, authorized under House Bill 657, are fixed or portable automated devices that use radar or LiDAR to detect speeding vehicles. The bill authorizes counties and municipalities to use these systems to enforce school zone speed limits when a vehicle exceeds the posted limit by more than 10 miles per hour. Enforcement applies during times when children are going to or from school, as well as during the entirety of the school day. These enforcement tools effectively and consistently enforce school zone speed limits, especially during the most vulnerable hours of the day.
The program will be introduced with a 30-day warning period, from Aug. 11 to Sept. 10, during which violators will receive warnings without fines. Full enforcement begins Sept. 11. Drivers caught speeding in active school zones will receive a citation and a $100 fine. Speed zone enforcement times start 30 minutes before the school day begins, continue throughout the day and end 30 minutes after dismissal. Outside of these hours, cameras will still enforce the regularly posted speed limit if a vehicle exceeds it by 11 mph or more.
The cameras will be active in school zones surrounding Wellington, New Horizons, Panther Run, Binks Forest, Elbridge Gale and Equestrian Trails elementary schools; Wellington Landings, Emerald Cove and Polo Park middle schools; Wellington High School; and the Somerset Academy.
Wellington joins a growing number of Florida communities turning to speed camera enforcement to better protect their youngest residents. Communities like Bradenton, Cape Coral, Leesburg, Miami, Hollywood, Tallahassee, St. Cloud, Deerfield Beach and Neptune Beach have already implemented similar school zone programs with strong results. These municipalities report safer streets, fewer traffic collisions and improved driver behavior near schools. Wellington is proud to stand alongside these municipalities in making bold, effective choices to protect children and reduce harm on our roads.
A Tool for Prevention, Not Punishment — The purpose behind Wellington’s school zone safety camera program is not to generate revenue, but to save lives. Research and real-world data consistently show that automated enforcement programs change driver behavior. The presence of speed cameras helps remind drivers to slow down, stay alert and follow traffic laws, especially in areas where children walk, bike or ride buses to school. The ultimate goal is prevention, not punishment.
What You Need to Know — After the warning period from Aug. 11 to Sept. 10, violations will begin on Sept. 11. The violation threshold is more than 10 mph over the posted limit in an active school zone with a fine of $100 per violation. No points will be assessed to the driver’s license, and the insurance company is not notified.
During School Zone Enforcement Times: The School Zone speed limit is 20 mph, and it is enforced 30 minutes before the start of the breakfast program, 30 minutes after the start of a regularly scheduled school session, 30 minutes before the release of school and 30 minutes after the release of the regular school day.
After the School Zone Enforcement Hours: During the entirety of a regularly scheduled school session, after the school zone enforcement timeframes, cameras will enforce the speed limit when a vehicle exceeds the posted limit by more than 10 miles per hour.
If you receive a violation and wish to contest it, you must do so within 30 days of receiving the notice by e-mailing wellingtonfl@trafficsafetycitations.com. If you fail to respond, the notice will escalate to a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC), potentially leading to higher fines and court costs.
For detailed information on the program, including how to view your violation evidence, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/schoolzonesafety.
A Shared Responsibility — Creating safer school zones is a shared responsibility. While enforcement technology plays a critical role in encouraging safer driving behavior, the real power lies in our community’s collective commitment to prioritize safety over speed. Whether you’re a parent, student, teacher or resident, your vigilance, cooperation and understanding are essential.
By implementing this program, Wellington is making it clear: the safety of our students comes first. With this initiative, the village is not just responding to statistics, it’s responding to a moral obligation to protect lives. As we look ahead to the new school year, we encourage all drivers to slow down, stay alert and do their part to help make Wellington’s roads safer for everyone.
