Lakeland school zone speed camera program starting next year

LAKELAND, Fla. — The City of Lakeland is implementing a program designed to curb speeding in school zones and to promote safer driving habits.

The city and the Lakeland Police Department are in the process of activating 14 speed enforcement cameras near eight school entrances.

Drivers traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted school-zone speed limit while the school-zone flashing lights are active will be found in violation, the city said in a news release issued Wednesday.

To ensure motorists are aware of the new program, a warning period will run through the month of January. During this time, motorists exceeding the posted speed limit will receive warning notices only.

The warning notices will be sent by mail to the registered owner of any vehicle recorded traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted school-zone speed limit during enforcement hours.

It is expected that starting February 2, 2026, the program will begin issuing $100 citations to drivers found in violation.

“The goal of these new pieces of technology is to keep our students safe by changing driver behavior in our school zones. No one should be speeding in school zones. Drivers should always slow down and be alert for students and other pedestrians. We want everyone to come home safe,” said Police Chief Sam Taylor.

School Zone Camera Locations

• Lincoln Academy – 10th Street
• Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle School – N. Crystal Lake Drive and S. Crystal Lake Drive
• Southwest Middle School – Lincoln Avenue
• North Lakeland Elementary – W. Robson Street
• Lakeland High School – Hollingsworth Road
• Lakeland Highlands Middle – Lake Miriam Drive
• Sleepy Hill Elementary – Sleepy Hill Road
• Dixieland Elementary, Southwest Elementary and Southwest Middle School – Beacon Road

Automated violations will only be enforced while the school-zone flashing lights are active. The system will capture images of vehicles traveling above the posted speed limit, and each violation submitted will be reviewed for approval by the Lakeland Police Department before a warning is issued. 

For additional information about the school-zone speed camera program, visit https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/lakeland-police-department