Lakewood council weighs speed cameras in school zones

LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WOIO) - Drivers who speed through Lakewood school zones could soon be caught on camera.

City Council has introduced two ordinances aimed at slowing traffic near schools. One would allow speed cameras in school zones, such as those around Emerson and Lincoln schools. The other would create a fund for school safety.

The first ordinance would authorize the public safety director to install the cameras. The second would create a Safe Routes to School Fund. Fines from school-zone speeding violations would go into the fund. The money could be used only for school safety, such as crossing guards and street improvements.

Council President Sarah Kepple said the goal is slower drivers, not more tickets.

“Getting kids to school safely has been a priority for council. I know it’s a priority for the administration. It’s something we’re going to keep working on. So, again ideally, we won’t issue any citations because people will just slow down in the school zones,” Kepple said.

The proposal comes as many students prepare to switch elementary schools in the 2027-2028 school year. That will mean new walking routes for many families. The school district does not provide busing. In a city survey for its Active Transportation Plan, 60% of caregivers said their children walk or bike to school at least sometimes.

“We know with the schools changing districts that a lot of families are particularly concerned about their routes to school so that’s something we’ve been working on and continue to work on,” Kepple said.

A city speed check in December 2022 found that as many as 89% of drivers in the Lincoln zone were over the limit in the morning. The city described it as one set of data.

Katherine Sedar, a parent of two young children, said she supports the cameras as long as they are not the city’s only method.

“I think that’s kind of the city’s attempt at making walks to school safer now that a bunch of students are going to have longer walks to school,” Sedar said.

“Cameras are cheaper than crossing guards but as a parent, my preferred method would be crossing guards,” she said.

In a statement to 19 News, the Lakewood City School District said, “Anything that can be done to improve the safety of our students and families making their way to and from school each day, we welcome. We currently work together with the City of Lakewood and Bike Lakewood in a Safe Routes to School committee and will continue to support that collaboration to help find meaningful ways to make Lakewood safer for everyone.”

The ordinances have been referred to committee for more discussion. Kepple said council will probably decide in the new year whether to adopt them.