After thousands of warnings, Kingston to start issuing tickets in school zone

HVNY News + Notes

Apr 20

Written By HVNY

After over an average of 300 warnings per day, and speeds up over 60-miles-per-hour near the elementary school

Over 15 school days, 4,908 warnings were issued to drivers caught speeding in just two locations: near Kingston High School and JFK Elementary School in the City of Kingston.

But after a 30-day grace period, starting Monday, April 20, those warnings – averaging 327 warnings a day – will turn into tickets.

“Based on data that the school speed zone cameras have collected so far, we can see that many, many folks are not in compliance with speed limits,” noted City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble.

The speed limit in the school zones is 20-miles-per-hour near the high school and 15-miles-per-hour near the elementary school. Cameras set-up in these school zones have recorded an average vehicle speed of 30-33-miles per hour, with top speeds exceeding 64-miles per hour near the elementary school, and 63-miles-per-hour recorded outside of the high school.

“This is not about earning extra money for the City’s coffers, it’s about the safety of our schoolchildren,” Noble added. “With these automated violations, we are trying to change driver behavior permanently. Based on camera data from other similar-sized communities, we expect to see violations drop 75-percent after the first four months – the economic incentive is that strong.”

According to the mayor’s office, cameras are currently installed on Broadway in the northbound and southbound lanes in front of Kingston High School and in one direction on Delaware Avenue at Corporate Drive for JFK Elementary. Cameras are still being connected on W. O’Reilly near the high school entrance, Washington Avenue at Marius Street for George Washington Elementary, and in one direction on Delaware Avenue. Cameras will be operational on weekdays from 7:00am to 4:00pm at JFK and George Washington and 7am to 8pm at Kingston High School during the school year.

Officials note that those in violation will receive tickets by mail. The return address for school speed zone violations by mail will have a Jupiter, Florida return address. For more information, visit: https://kingston-ny.gov/parking