The Leesburg commission on Monday night discussed a way to enhance safety around school zones with the implementation of speed cameras, which will operate exclusively during school hours, beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of school and ending 30 minutes after school hours. The second reading and vote will take place at the next meeting on July 22.

Enforcement will involve tagging the registered owner of the vehicle for any infractions captured by the digital cameras. If the registered owner was not the driver at the time of the infraction, they would still be responsible for paying the fine unless they submit an affidavit. This affidavit process allows the owner to identify the actual driver, effectively transferring the responsibility.

The enforcement mechanism will rely solely on digital cameras, with no officers on site. According to Commissioner Alan Reisman, sworn officers will review each ticket through the system to ensure accuracy.

This measure mirrors what Eustis implemented earlier this year, where more than 1,300 tickets were mailed in the first five weeks after the initial grace period.

The plan for Leesburg aims for the measure to be in place before the start of the school year. There will be a 30-day grace period during which warnings will be issued instead of fines. After this period, a $100 fine will be enforced for violations. Multiple signs will be installed in both directions to alert drivers about the new enforcement.

Locations for these cameras will include Leesburg Elementary School, Oak Park Middle School, Carver Middle School, Beverly Shores Elementary School, Leesburg High School, St. Paul’s Catholic School and Lake Montessori.