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ITEM: AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR A SPEED DETECTION CAMERA SYSTEM FOR SCHOOL ZONES
REQUEST: Authorization to award a contract to Jenoptik North America, Inc. dba Jenoptik Smart Mobility Solutions LLC for a Speed Detection Camera System for School Zones.
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EXPLANATION: In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 657, codified as Chapter 2023-174, Laws of Florida, to permit the use of speed detection systems to enforce speeding within school zones. This law became effective July 1, 2023, and allows for automated speed enforcement beginning thirty (30) minutes before the school day starts, or breakfast program (whichever is earlier), during the entirety of the school day and thirty (30) minutes after it ends. Speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour (MPH) over the speed limit may be photo or video enforced.
State Statute outlines the requirements and processes that local governments must follow in order to implement the speed detection systems, some of which are summarized below:
* Municipality must enact an ordinance authorizing the installation of a speed detection system. A public hearing is required, during which traffic or other evidence is considered and the determination is made whether a school zone constitutes a heightened safety risk that warrants such enforcement measures.
* Cities must follow the Department of Transportation specifications for placement and installation of these systems, including posting signage that indicates that photo or video enforcement of school zone limits is in effect.
* 30-day public awareness campaign must occur before the enforcement may commence and only warnings may be issued to violators during this period.
* Annual reports of the results of enforcement by the automated speed detection systems, contracts that provide for the installation of such systems, and contract renewals must be heard at the Public City Council meeting. These items cannot be considered on consent agenda and the publi...
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