Columbus Residents React to New School Zone Speed Cameras

The Columbus Police Department has officially activated automated speed enforcement cameras in 20 school zones across the city as part of the 2024–25 School Zone Safety Program. The initiative, launched in partnership with city government and law enforcement, aims to reduce speeding near schools and protect students during peak traffic hours.

According to the Columbus Police Department, the cameras are active during specific timeframes — from one hour before the start of school to one hour after dismissal. Motorists who exceed the posted speed limit by more than 11 miles per hour during those hours may receive citations by mail.

The program was introduced following multiple community complaints and data that showed speeding as a top safety concern near school campuses.

“This program was designed to make drivers slow down in school zones,” reads a statement from the department’s website. “Our priority is student safety, and speed cameras provide a consistent, enforceable way to encourage responsible driving.”

Still, the rollout has sparked debate among Columbus residents. Some have praised the new measure as a necessary deterrent to dangerous driving behavior.

“This is a great step toward ensuring our children’s safety,” said local parent Angela Moore, who lives near one of the newly enforced zones. “Drivers need to be more cautious near schools, and sometimes enforcement is the only thing that makes people pay attention.”

Others, however, have raised concerns about transparency and whether the program could become more punitive than preventive.

“I’m all for safety, but these cameras feel like a money grab,” said James Thompson, a Columbus resident who was recently cited for speeding near a school. “We need to know exactly where the money is going and how it's helping the community.”

According to the Columbus Police Department, revenue generated from the citations will be used to support public safety initiatives — a statement meant to reassure residents that the funds are reinvested locally. However, the department has not yet released a full breakdown of how those funds will be allocated.

Community organizations have also weighed in. Some have called for additional transparency and public forums to explain how decisions about school zone camera placement were made.

“Technology like this should be used fairly and not just where it’s convenient or profitable,” said Darnell Brooks, an MCSD parent. “We also need education efforts alongside enforcement to make sure people understand the ‘why,’ not just the penalties.”

Meanwhile, local officials say the program is already showing early signs of success, including reduced speeding violations during the pilot enforcement phase in 2023.

The city plans to expand the program to include additional school zones in the 2025–26 academic year.

Drivers are encouraged to review the full list of camera locations and enforcement hours available on the Columbus Police Department’s website.