Tamarac approves first reading to allow school‑zone speed cameras after staff study and public concerns

The Tamarac City Commission on May 27 voted 4–1 on first reading to authorize school‑zone speed detection systems under a newly created Article 5 of Chapter 14, following a staff presentation and public comment that urged stronger protections for children.

Assistant to the City Manager Tanya Sterling summarized the item and said staff had reviewed a two‑day traffic study in March that recorded thousands of speed violations at multiple schools. “The study showed vehicles traveling 10 miles over the posted school zone speed limits in several school locations,” Sterling said, noting Tamarac Elementary, Discovery Elementary, Challenger and Millennium were among locations with high violation counts.

Staff recommended enforcement only during active school flashing periods (30 minutes before start and 30 minutes after dismissal) and enforcement at 10 mph over posted school‑zone limits (for example, 26 mph in a 15 mph zone). Sterling also said the vendor projects a 90–120 day implementation window and recommended a minimum 90‑day public education and warning period before citations would issue.

Public commenters pushed for stricter enforcement and better signage. “That is absolutely insane,” said Kate Johnson, referencing staff’s two‑day count of 4,120 violations and urging stricter thresholds because stopping distance rises quickly with speed changes. Several commenters asked that the city add more flashing warnings at intersections and consider human enforcement where feasible.

Deputy/Tamarac captain and BSO designee Captain Franks explained that deputies would still respond and could make stops for reckless driving, but enforcement of automated speeding citations would be limited to the camera thresholds to avoid double jeopardy with in‑person citations.

Commissioner Dr. Keisha Daniel asked for a longer public awareness period; she said she would accept 60 days but “wouldn't mind 90,” and the council agreed to a 90‑day minimum educational/warning period while the vendor and staff finalize placement and operational rules. The commission passed the first reading 4–1 (Commissioner Wright opposed).

Next steps: staff expects to return with an agreement with the proposed vendor (Red Speed) concurrent with second reading and to begin the education campaign immediately once the contract is in place.

Sources: Tanya Sterling (assistant to the city manager); Captain Franks (BSO); public comments.