BRADENTON, Fla. (SNN) – This week, Manatee County voted to end its school speed zone camera program, officially shutting it down Wednesday night. However, the debate over safety versus financial burden continues.

At the start of the school year, Manatee County installed cameras to catch drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10 miles per hour in school zones during school hours. Drivers caught speeding were issued a $100 fine. After concerns arose about inconsistent speed limits, the commission adjusted the program to operate only during student arrival and dismissal times.

Despite these changes, county commissioners ultimately decided to eliminate the program.

“We want to stop this program altogether. It is not serving its purpose,” said Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann. “The public doesn’t want it, the sheriff doesn’t think it’s valuable, and the school board doesn’t see it as any more protective.”

Following more than 50,000 violations, the commission voted 5-2 to end the program.

RedSpeed, the company that operates the cameras and other school safety equipment, opposed the decision and released a statement to SNN:

“This program was implemented with one goal in mind: to protect children by reducing dangerous speeding in school zones. The data has consistently shown that automated enforcement leads to safer streets, fewer violations, and greater compliance with speed limits where it matters most.”

RedSpeed also claims that its safety devices reduce accidents by 30%. While the program has ended in Manatee County, drivers who received violations are still required to pay their fines or appeal them. Failure to do so could result in tickets that must be resolved through the court system.

The City of Bradenton continues to operate speed zone cameras at several schools within the county. Officials say they do not plan to remove the cameras or change the hours of enforcement.

To find the list of schools that currently have speed zone cameras you can go the Bradenton Police Department’s website.