The Shalimar Police Department will launch an automated photo speed enforcement program at Shalimar Elementary School following a study that recorded 4,321 speeding violations in a five-day period, joining neighboring cities who have already implemented cameras.

• Police Chief Michael Jacobs announced the program last week, citing speed studies conducted in October 2023 that identified significant speeding problems in the school zone area.

The study found 36,645 drivers traveled through the school zone in one week, with 4,321 vehicles speeding — or 11.8% of all vehicles. Of those speeding, 2,657 were traveling 11-14 mph over the speed limit, while 1,154 vehicles exceeded the limit by 15-20 mph. Most concerning, 510 vehicles were traveling 21 mph or greater over the school zone speed limit.

“We know that speed kills; statistics show a child struck by a vehicle traveling 40 MPH, only has 1 in 10 chance of survival, but if you slow that down to 20 MPH, that same child has a much-improved survival rate of nine in 10,” the press release stated.

The program will include a 30-day warning period beginning Aug. 11 when school starts. During this period, violators will receive warning citations in the mail. Live enforcement begins Sept. 11, when drivers exceeding the speed limit by 11 mph or more will receive $100 civil citations that carry no license points or insurance penalties.

• The cameras will operate on days when school is in session, children are present, and when the school zone beacons are flashing. The system will include flashing lights and additional road signs to warn drivers of the upcoming school zone.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 64% of child pedestrians killed in traffic crashes occurred during weekdays from 6 a.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Friday.

The department’s goal is “ZERO” – that is, zero crashes, zero injuries and zero endangered lives in school zones.