Speeding in Syracuse school zone warning areas is dropping, but the numbers show drivers are still not heeding the laws.
Automated speed and red-light cameras placed near several schools led to 35,300 warnings from September 16th until the end of the month. That represented a decrease from 60,000 reported after the first two weeks of the program.
Findings from the first month include:
- Approximately 35,300 total warnings were recorded in and around school zones between September 16 and September 30 (as processed through October 15).
- Approximately 34,700 speeding warnings
- Approximately 600 red light warnings
- The highest recorded speed was 64 mph in a 20-mph zone—nearly 44 mph over the posted limit. This occurred twice: once near Dr. Weeks Elementary School and once near PSLA@Fowler.
- 21.6% of warnings were over 15 miles above the speed limit.
- 47% of drivers received two or more warnings.
- 27% of warnings were issued between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, suggesting many drivers may be unaware that school speed limits are still in place in the afternoon and early evening when school campuses remain active.
- 43% of warnings came from vehicles registered to addresses drivers outside the city.
“These numbers show that automated enforcement is already making a difference,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “We are seeing measurable progress in just a few weeks. But the data also tells us that far too many drivers are still running red lights and exceeding school zone speed limits. We need every driver to take this seriously. Slowing down and abiding by red lights saves lives.”
Walsh added that while the speeding and running-red-light warnings have declined, the violations are still too high. He noted that 47% of drivers have received two warnings.
The warning program ends on November 2nd, after which drivers will be fined $50 for each violation.
