By James Coulter
A noticeable difference has been observed among drivers and police officers alike now that the City of Lake Wales is considering placing red light cameras in school zones.
At their next meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners will be considering the second reading of an ordinance that will authorize the implementation of traffic infraction detectors, red light cameras, and school zone speed limit detection systems in school zones.
In previous meetings, Lieutenant Ed Palmer, Patrol Commander with the Lake Wales Police Department (LWPD), mentioned how traffic infractions, accidents, and even fatalities have increased within the city limits, especially near school zones.
However, since the discussion about red light cameras at school zones began, Lt. Palmer has noticed a significant difference within the city, with drivers driving more cautiously and law enforcement officers becoming more aware of driving habits and potential infractions.
“These cameras are meant to change driving behaviors,” he said. “After all questions were posed, it started to change driving behavior because we [LWPD] are already looking for it. So the fact that we are talking about it has presented things about [vehicles] going through a red light. It reduces it. It does not take away all the crashes, but it reduces traffic crashes.”
If red light cameras were implemented, these cameras would monitor school zones for potential traffic violations. When a violation is detected, a vendor will have 30 days to review it. If approved, a citation will be sent to the violator, who will have 60 days to either pay the fine or fight it.
At a workshop on Wed. Nov. 13, Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson claimed that not much has changed as far as traffic violations are concerned. He averred the only changes were with technology and attitude.
“The attitude was that the officer was cheating not that the driver was speeding,” he said. “I do not have any sympathy for someone who runs a red light and I am not going to be influenced by folks who say it is cheating.”
Some concerns have been raised about whether these cameras would detect vehicles going over the stop bar or turning right on red rather than simply going through a red light.
“We are looking for people going through a red light, not going over the stop bar,” Lt. Palmer said.
Commissioner Keith Thompson inquired about turning right on red. To which, Lt. Palmer assured him that a vehicle merely needed to come to a complete stop and proceed with caution. The cameras would only monitor for vehicles going straight through a red light, as those incidents cause accidents.
