TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Michael Palma, Interim Chief of Police
DATE: July 3, 2024
Title
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY’S CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 33, “POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT; OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS,” ARTICLE VI, “TRAFFIC CONTROL,” BY ENACTING A NEW SECTION 33-73, ENTITLED “SPEED DETECTION SYSTEMS IN SCHOOL ZONES,” TO PROVIDE FOR PURPOSE AND INTENT, DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE AUTHORIZATION TO USE SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT DETECTION SYSTEMS, A DETERMINATION OF SAFETY NEED, AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SPEED LIMIT DETECTION SYSTEMS IN SCHOOL ZONES; PROVIDING FOR A LOCAL HEARING OFFICER TO HEAR APPEALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
BACKGROUND: On July 1, 2023, House Bill 657 was codified into law, allowing municipalities to contract with vendors to place or install automated speed detection systems on streets within their jurisdictions. This legislative measure aims to reduce speeding in school zones, thereby enhancing the safety of students, parents, and school staff. In the months following the enactment of House Bill 657, Police staff have been actively engaging with multiple vendors to explore solutions for mitigating speeding issues in these areas.
During these meetings, vendors conducted independent traffic studies that provided comprehensive data on vehicle speeds and traffic patterns near schools. The findings from these studies confirmed a significant volume of speeding incidents in various school zones. This data highlights the need for measures to address speeding and ensure safer environments for children and other pedestrians.
The traffic studies revealed that, despite existing speed limits and signage, many drivers exceed safe speed thresholds. Vendors employed advanced technologies to gather traffic data. These technologies enabled the collection of detailed information about peak speeding times, average speeds, and the frequency of violations.
The staff's collaboration with these vendors has been instrumental in identifying potential automated speed detection systems for their needs. Moreover, the presence of these systems encourages drivers to adhere to speed limits.
If the City Commission desires to deploy the automated speed detection systems, the first step is to amend City Code to allow the program. Staff would then make recommendations on vendor selection and school zone locations to use the program.
RECOMMENDATION: Second Reading for Amendment to the City’s Code of Ordinances Chapter 33
FISCAL IMPACT:
CONTACT PERSON: Major Kevin Stransky