Lake Wales Activates Speed Cameras in School Zones

Lake Wales will begin enforcing school zone speed limits with automated cameras starting January 14 at Hillcrest Elementary on State Road 60.

Drivers will receive written warnings for 30 school days before citations begin. At Hillcrest Elementary, the warning period ends February 26. Citations of $100 start February 27.

Cameras operate 15 minutes before school starts through 15 minutes after dismissal. The system records the vehicle's speed, license plate, date, time and location. Lake Wales Police Department officers review each citation before mailing it to the vehicle's registered owner. Citations include photographs and documented speed.

Fines carry no license points. Vehicle owners who were not driving can transfer responsibility by affidavit. Unpaid citations convert to Uniform Traffic Citations with higher fines and points.

Revenue from fines goes to school crossing guard programs, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the State of Florida and the City of Lake Wales.

Two additional schools will follow Hillcrest Elementary. Lake Wales High School on Burns Avenue begins warnings February 4, with citations starting March 23. McLaughlin School of Excellence on Scenic Highway between Domaris Avenue and Winston Avenue begins warnings March 23, with citations starting April 24.

Enforcement times vary by campus. At Hillcrest Elementary, cameras operate 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., plus 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. on early release days. Lake Wales High School zones run 6:15 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. to 2:55 p.m., plus 12:25 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on early release days. McLaughlin zones operate 6:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., plus 11 a.m. to noon on early release days.

Cameras enforce posted school zone speed limits when zone lights flash and normal speed limits during the school day when lights are off. The system remains inactive during holidays and after early release times.