Lakeland city commissioners have approved a plan to install speed cameras in several school zones to help curb speeding and improve student safety.

The cameras will be placed near the following eight schools:

• Lincoln Academy
• Crystal Lake Elementary
• Philip O’Brien Elementary
• Southwest Middle
• North Lakeland Elementary
• Lakeland High
• Lakeland Highlands Middle
• Sleepy Hill Elementary

City officials referenced a May 2024 study that recorded nearly 850 speeding violations per day near these schools. Lakeland police also reported that 25 Polk County Public School students were involved in vehicle-related crashes during the 2023–24 school year, resulting in 13 deaths.

Drivers caught speeding in these zones will face a $100 fine after a 30-day public awareness campaign. Revenue from the fines will support school district security, crossing guard recruitment, and city traffic safety programs.

Police say the cameras will also allow officers to focus enforcement efforts on other school zones throughout Lakeland.

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