Speed Cameras for Kids' Safety in Akron, Ohio

When students from the Akron Public Schools return from summer break August 29, the city will again have in place its video speed-surveillance cameras in selected school zones. The program tracks speeding vehicles in school zones using laser and radar technology.  Again this school year, the city will deploy four separate video systems that are portable and able to be moved each day at the direction of the Akron Police Department Traffic Bureau. Sites are chosen based upon areas of greatest concern for police. Cameras will be utilized only during the time that yellow school-zone lights are flashing signifying the 20 mph restricted speed limit.
 
Vehicles exceeding the speed limit trigger the cameras to take a photograph of the offending vehicle. The owner is traced and issued the violation notice.

The offense is considered a civil infraction, not a criminal traffic citation. Therefore, drivers who receive civil citations receive no points on their driving record, and the infraction is not reported to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or their auto insurer.

Mayor Don Plusquellic said today fines will be set at $35 from the first day of school, August 29 through the second full week of school, September 14. Fines return to the standard $100 September 17 for violators.

Again this year, the Akron Police Department will be employing electronic warnings signs that flash a vehicle's speed as it approaches. This is used as a tool to help drivers monitor their speed.

Drivers should be aware that APD radar cars or a speed camera are likely to follow up with a visit to those sites in subsequent days or weeks.