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Starting one week from today, speed cameras near Syracuse schools will be activated to enhance safety. These cameras are part of a new traffic program aimed at reducing speeding in school zones. Each school property in the city will have at least one speed detection radar camera.
Initially, there will be a 60-day grace period during which violators will receive warnings instead of tickets. After this period, drivers exceeding the speed limit will face $50 fines. The speed limit in school zones is set at 10 mph below the standard limit, with most zones posted at 20 mph, and some at 25 mph.
The city plans to use 34 speed cameras and 36 red-light cameras, making Syracuse the first city in New York to operate all three major school-related traffic camera systems. According to Syracuse.com, the program aims to protect children, the city's most vulnerable residents.
Automated tickets issued by the cameras are civil violations, similar to parking tickets, and will not add points to a driver's license. Violators must pay or dispute tickets within 40 days to avoid additional penalties. After 90 days, unpaid tickets will go to collections, accruing a $25 late fee.
Conor Muldoon, Syracuse's Chief Operations Officer, stated that the program is designed to encourage drivers to slow down and prioritize the safety of children in school zones. LocalSyr.com reports that the city expects the new system to improve traffic safety significantly.