The Neptune Beach Police Department announced Thursday that it is discontinuing the automated speed‑camera program that monitored drivers in the city’s school zones. Chief Michael J. Key Jr. said the decision follows a thorough review of community input, recent legal rulings concerning license‑plate‑reader technology, and an analysis of the program’s operational data.
Why the program is ending
Key explained that the city’s commitment to protecting students remains unchanged, but the department will shift its focus to “high‑visibility, active traffic enforcement and community education” rather than relying on automated cameras. The cameras, placed at Beaches Chapel School and Neptune Beach Elementary School, recorded speed, video, photographs, date, time, location and license plates of vehicles traveling 11 mph or more over the 15 mph school‑zone limit.
Statewide context
Neptune Beach’s move aligns with a broader statewide effort to curb the use of license‑plate‑reader systems such as Flock cameras. The Florida Department of Transportation recently revoked permits that allowed law‑enforcement agencies to operate these devices on state roads, citing a rapid increase in installations, public outcry, and concerns over data privacy and surveillance. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office also announced it will halt Flock camera use throughout Duval County.
Program details and financial impact
Under the former program, citations were issued only when drivers exceeded the speed limit by 11 mph or more – a threshold of at least 26 mph in a 15 mph zone. Each citation carried a $100 fine, set by state law, and did not add points to a driver’s record, meaning insurance rates were unaffected. The department reported that the fines collected covered all operating costs, and the city incurred no expense even if the program ran at a deficit.
What comes next
Chief Key affirmed that police officers will continue to patrol school zones during school hours and that the department will increase outreach to parents and students about safe driving practices. The city hopes the change will preserve residents’ privacy while still safeguarding children traveling to and from school.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
