MY SOLUTION FOR SAFER SCHOOL STREETS

Slow the Cars—Don't Just Photograph Them

My Proposal for Safer School Zones

 

 

Every child deserves a safe trip to school.

I support protecting children in school zones. The question isn't whether we should improve safety—it's how.

Some cities rely primarily on automated speed cameras that issue tickets after a driver speeds through a school zone.

I believe Tampa should first invest in solutions that physically slow traffic before it even reaches our children.

 

 

My Solution

Instead of making cameras the primary answer, Tampa should improve school zones using proven traffic-calming measures, including:

Raised Crosswalks In Conjunction with Speed Cushions

Raised crosswalks require drivers to slow down at the exact location where children cross the street. They also improve visibility by making pedestrians easier to see. Speed Cushions strategically placed before the raised crosswalk will slow cars way before they reach the crosswalk. 

Federal transportation research has shown these devices can significantly reduce vehicle speeds and greatly reduce the number of extreme speeders.

Better School Zone Warning Systems

Every school should have:

  • Flashing school-zone signs
  • Radar "YOUR SPEED" displays
  • Highly visible pavement markings
  • Improved lighting
  • Clear sight lines at crossings

 

 

Build Safety Into the Street

A speed camera records a violation.

A raised crosswalk helps prevent one.

A ticket that arrives days later cannot protect a child today.

Roadway improvements work every school day, every afternoon, every weekend, and every summer.

 

 

Accountability

Every school should receive a traffic safety study before new enforcement programs are adopted.

The City should publicly report:

  • Vehicle speeds
  • Crash history
  • Student crossing locations
  • Recommended improvements
  • Project costs
  • Before-and-after results

Taxpayers deserve to know what works.

 

 

My Commitment

As Mayor, I will support practical solutions that make our streets safer before relying on automated enforcement.

Protecting children should never be about issuing more tickets.

It should be about slowing traffic where it matters most.

My Goal

Protect the Children.

Slow the Cars.

Build Safer Streets.

Julie Magill for Mayor

Transparency • Accountability • Common Sense