I just watched this report from Local 10 on the School Zone Signs. And they raised concerns about the times on the signs. That’s a legitimate concern we covered over a year ago.
However, the editing in their video is either idiotic or disingenuous in our opinion. You’ll notice in the editing, they focus on the times on the respective signs, but cut off the rest. (You know, the portion of the sign that explains what it means.) Gimmee a break!
So, since this reporter couldn’t seem to figure out what our signs mean, we’ll break it down once again.
Let’s look at the image below. What does the sign on the left say? “SPEED LIMIT PHOTO ENFORCED” That must mean the times when the speed camera traps are operating.
Now, let’s look at the sign on the right. It reads “SCHOOL: SPEED LIMIT 15 (7-7:45AM 2:15-3PM) SCHOOL DAYS.
That must mean, I’d better do 15 MPH during School Days between 7 and 7:45 am in the mornings and between 2:15 and 3pm in the afternoons.
Seems pretty simple, right? Let’s take another crack at READING COMPREHENSION since our signs appeared to confuse this particular Local 10 reporter.
15 MPH SPEED LIMIT SIGN
The times listed directly underneath the 15 MPH SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT are the times where you are required to slow down to 15 MPH. This is the same as it’s always been. You have to slow down to the 15 MPH as indicated during the morning drop off and afternoon pickup times on school days. Outside of these times, you can safely proceed at the normal 30 MPH speed limit. Below is an example of the traditional school zone speed limit sign.
PHOTO ENFORCEMENT TIMES
As you can see in the image below, the sign says “SPEED LIMIT PHOTO ENFORCED.” The times listed below are the times in which the automated speed trap camera is recording speed violators. In the example below, the automated speed trap camera is operating between 6:00 AM and 2:50 PM. However, this doesn’t mean you have to do 15 MPH from 6:00 AM to 2:50 PM. You only have to slow down to 15MPH during the school zone period designated underneath the 15 MPH sign.
Let’s make it clearer…
In the example below, the photo enforcement time starts on school days at 6 AM. However, the 15 mph speed limit doesn’t start until 7 AM. So you can drive up to 30 MPH from 6 AM – 7 AM without a problem. However, if you speed past 40 MPH in this area from 6 AM – 7 AM, you will get an automated speeding ticket for exceeding the 30 MPH speed limit.
Now, between 7:00 AM and 7:45 AM, the speed limit drops to 15 MPH. If you drive 25 MPH or more during these times on a school day, the automated speed trap will send you a ticket in the mail for exceeding the speed limit during that particular time.
Let’s take this example even further. Say, it’s noon on a school day. What’s the speed limit?
The answer is the speed limit reverts to the normal 30 MPH.
Can I get an automated speeding ticket at noon in a photo enforced school zone?
The answer is YES. If you’re exceeding 40 MPH, you will likely receive an automated speeding ticket.
Bottom line: The Photo Enforced Hours are the hours in which the automated speed trap is on duty. It’s enforcing drivers exceeding the 15 mph speed limit during school zone hours. And it’s also enforcing the 30 MPH speed limit during non school zone hours.
We hope this helps.
At the end of the day, slow down folks. One of the best ways to prevent speeding in Miami Springs is when our own residents (the most common local road speeders) follow the posted speed limit signs. This has the added effect of slowing down any drivers behind you and setting a proper example of what’s expected in our beautiful Miami Springs community.
Let’s keep our streets safe for pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, kids, and even our wildlife by slowing down and following the posted speed limit signs.
We hope this helps address some of the confusion residents have shared with us.
God bless you all and stay safe.
