What Happens to Kingston’s School Speed Cameras After School Ends?

As the school year comes to a close, many in Ulster County are wondering if Kingston's school zone speed cameras will be active during the summer months.

The City of Kingston was one of the first municipalities in the Hudson Valley to install speed cameras in school zones as part of an effort to improve safety around local schools and reduce speeding in areas where children are present.

Speed Cameras in Kingston, NY

Under the program, drivers caught exceeding the speed limit in designated school zones receive a violation by mail. When the cameras were first activated, motorists who were caught speeding received warning notices instead of fines. Once that warning period ended, fines of $50 were issued for a first offense, $75 for a second violation within 18 months, and $100 for a third or subsequent violation during the same period.

With the school year coming to an end, many drivers have been asking if the cameras will continue operating during the summer.

Speed Cameras in Kingston, NY

Speed Cameras Active During the Summer?

The answer is yes.

According to city officials, Kingston's school speed zone cameras will remain active during the summer, but they will transition to a summer school schedule. The change marks the end of the first full school year under the city's automated school zone enforcement program.

The last day of regularly enforced school speed zone violations for the current school year will be Wednesday, June 24. After that, camera enforcement will continue only during designated summer school hours at two Kingston schools.

Summer school speed zone enforcement will begin on July 6 and remain in effect at the following locations:

JFK Elementary School
(Delaware Avenue from Corporate Drive to Murray Street)
Monday through Thursday, July 6 through July 30
7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Kingston High School
(Broadway from O'Reilly Street to Andrew Street and West O'Reilly Street from Broadway to High School Drive)
Monday through Friday, July 6 through August 19
7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Drivers traveling through these areas during summer school hours should be aware that speed zone violations will continue to be issued.

Speed Cameras in Kingston, NY

Speed Limit Still Enforced Year-Round

While camera enforcement will be limited to summer school hours, city officials noted that Kingston's citywide 25 mph speed limit remains in effect year-round. The Kingston Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit will continue to patrol city streets and issue tickets to drivers who exceed the posted speed limit.

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The City of Kingston thanked motorists for slowing down in school zones during the first year of the program and encouraged drivers to remain alert as students continue attending summer classes and activities.

City officials say the goal of the program remains the same: slow drivers down, improve safety, and help protect children traveling to and from school.