Panama City: Warning period starts for automated speed enforcement in school zones

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -If you’re going more than 10 miles per hour in a school zone, don’t be surprised if you get a fine in the mail.

Panama City is rolling out the RedSpeed automated photo enforcement in 11 school zones.

The program initially launched with a warning-only period on Feb. 17, but a new 30-day warning period began Wednesday.

According to the City of Panama City, during the first warning period for the program, implementation was briefly delayed after the city identified that four school zones were not fully operational.

The city installed enhanced safety features such as additional signage and flashing lights to improve visibility. With those upgrades now in place, a new 30-day warning period started on Wednesday.

Photo enforcement operates from 30 minutes before school starts to 30 minutes after school ends.

They say that when school zone lights are flashing, the school speed limit is enforced, but when they are not flashing, the regular speed limit is enforced.

It is not active outside of school hours, on weekends, or during holidays.

For right now, violators receive just a warning in the mail, allowing drivers to adjust to the new program.

“To me, it seems like a good system; it just hasn’t been out long,” said Panama City Resident Clayton Syfrett. “I actually got one in the mail the other day, and it was within the first 30 days, so there’s no fine. I didn’t know it was a new zone, and I thought that’s kinda neat, got a picture of my tag, of my truck.”

The city says the program allows law enforcement to focus on broader public safety priorities while maintaining a consistent presence in school zones.

“I’m glad they free up the officers’ time to do other things,” adds Syfrett, “I think that’s probably one of the biggest assets to them.”

The 30-day warning period ends on May 22.

Each violation will be verified by a Panama City Police officer, and a $100 civil violation will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner.

According to the city of Panama City, funds collected from violations will go toward supporting the photo enforcement program.

The rest of the funds will go toward the school crossing guard program and other public safety initiatives.

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