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Hillsborough County, FL - Hillsborough County is expanding the hours of operation for speed cameras in school zones to improve safety and reduce speeding.
Previously limited to morning and afternoon drop-off and dismissal periods, the cameras at 29 schools will now operate from 6:40 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, covering the full school day.
The change follows community feedback indicating that drivers continued to speed outside of peak times.
Residents have expressed support for the expanded enforcement.
Betty Ballack, who lives near Front Elementary, said she has had to assist children crossing the street due to unsafe driving.
Lailah Schabazz, a parent at Frost Elementary, told 10 Tampa Bay she hopes tickets issued during the extended hours will encourage drivers to follow school zone rules.
Undersheriff Tom St. John of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office explained that the longer hours provide clarity for drivers and are intended to improve compliance with speed limits.
The extended schedule also addresses confusion in areas where multiple schools share the same roadway.
Between August 2024 and July 2025, the cameras issued nearly 6,000 citations and collected over $310,000 in fines.
About half of that revenue funded public safety initiatives, including hiring additional crossing guards at a cost of $15,000.
Officials believe the expanded hours will further discourage speeding and enhance student safety.
The county is installing new signage to notify drivers of the updated operational hours.
Motorists are encouraged to observe posted speed limits and remain vigilant in school zones throughout the day to ensure the safety of students and staff.