The communities of Wellington and Delray Beach in Palm Beach County have taken significant steps to enhance safety in school zones by implementing camera systems to monitor and enforce speed limits. Over the past year, Wellington issued more than 21,000 citations for speeding near schools, while Delray Beach issued approximately 5,300 citations during the 2025-2026 school year.

Impact of School Zone Cameras

In Wellington, the cameras were installed near 10 schools, and they have been instrumental in curbing speeding. Village Manager Jim Barnes noted that the program is effectively addressing the issue, with citations leveling off and average speeds decreasing in these zones. The most citations in Wellington were issued near Wellington High School.

Delray Beach also saw a significant number of violations, particularly near J.C. Mitchell Elementary School. The fines for speeding in these school zones are set at $100, serving as a deterrent and a reminder for drivers to adhere to speed limits.

Community Safety and Future Plans

Both communities have confirmed that the cameras will be inactive during the summer months, reflecting a focus on school-year safety. Barnes emphasized the importance of these cameras as an additional measure to ensure safe driving practices, stating, “Now you have an extra set of eyes that’s out there actually enforcing.”

This initiative highlights the commitment of local authorities to prioritize the safety of children and families in school zones, aligning with broader community values of protecting young lives and fostering a secure environment for education.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.