At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Boca Raton Police Chief Jarad Phelps presented the first annual report on the city’s school‑zone speed‑camera program. The data show that from July 2025 through June 2026, the program generated 5,331 citations – each a $100 fine – for drivers who exceeded posted speed limits in three school zones.
Program details and early results
The cameras, installed in partnership with RedSpeed, are located at Addison Mizner School, Boca Raton Community High School, and J.C. Mitchell Elementary School. They have been active since October 2025, after city leaders voted unanimously in April 2025 to adopt the technology as a proactive safety measure.
Chief Phelps noted that of the total citations, 22 were contested. Of those, 21 were upheld and 544 were dismissed. An additional 1,405 citations were dismissed because RedSpeed did not have an established connection to the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court until recently, a procedural issue now resolved.
Expansion to more schools
Building on the early success, the city announced the installation of new speed‑detection cameras at four additional schools: Blue Lake Elementary, Calusa Elementary, Omni Middle School, and Spanish River Community High School. For the first 30 days, drivers in these zones will receive warning citations only, giving the community time to adjust to the new enforcement.
Starting in December, the same $100 fine will apply to any driver who exceeds the speed limit in these expanded zones. The city expects the broader coverage to further reduce speeding incidents and protect the safety of students, parents, and school staff.
Community impact and parental support
Parents and local residents have expressed strong support for the program, citing the importance of safe travel routes for children. The initiative aligns with Boca Raton’s long‑standing commitment to family‑friendly neighborhoods and responsible community stewardship.
City Council members praised the partnership with RedSpeed, noting that the technology provides an objective, non‑intrusive method of enforcing speed limits without the need for additional police patrols in school zones.
Looking ahead
Chief Phelps indicated that the city will continue to monitor citation data and community feedback to assess the program’s effectiveness. He emphasized that the ultimate goal is not to generate revenue, but to deter dangerous driving behavior and preserve the safety of Boca Raton’s youngest residents.
The council will consider further expansions in future budget cycles, ensuring that every school zone in the city benefits from this proven safety tool.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
