ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — School is back in session for all of the Bay area counties and law enforcement officers are working to get the word out, especially in St. Pete.
Police say there has been an ongoing problem with drivers speeding through school zones since the first day of school on Aug. 10.
Officers say they have already issued dozens of citations.
What You Need To Know
- School back in session in all Bay area counties
- Law enforcement officers are warning drivers to slow down in school zones
- St. Pete police spent last week giving out citations to drivers in front of St. Pete High
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Traffic Sgt. Michael Shade said it’s all about reminding drivers that school is back.
“It’s really all about kids’ safety,” Shade said. “That’s what we’re out here for — we don’t want to see anybody getting hit by a car, and having to deal with the tragedy that creates.”
Officers pulled over several drivers while patrolling the school zone at St. Petersburg High School last week during dismissal.
Multiple drivers caught driving 40 mph in 20 mph zones were issued citations.
The school zones are marked by two large flashing beacons, and fines for speeding are doubled in these areas.
Officials say that could mean a ticket for going 15 mph over the speed limit could run a driver $450 dollars.
But Shade said it’s not about punishing drivers, but reminding them to pay attention.
“Main things is to slow down when you’re in these zones,” he said. “Don’t be on your cell phones, pay attention to what’s going on around you.”
St. Pete police say they’ll continue these patrols at schools for the next few weeks.