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Local schools start soon in Gainesville, Florida, however, you might not be seeing much traffic directing going as you would in the past. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department has told its school crossing guards that they are not longer permitted to direct traffic. A crossing guards’ sole job is to create big enough gaps in traffic for students to cross the street.
In previous years, crossing guards helped drivers make left turns and other maneuvers to reduce the traffic build-up outside of schools. However, these gestures are no longer allowed under state law.
Art Forgey, a sheriff’s spokesman, gives a summary of the basic, expected fines. Forgey states citations can vary in amount from $104 for a non-moving violation to a $154 for a moving violation. For speeding through a school zone, fines range from $119 and can exceed the amount of $594! If you pass a stopped school bus, expect a $259 fine and running a red light will cost you $252.
Therefore, while making that morning commute give yourself some extra time, especially since you no longer have help of the crossing guards. Also, be extra cautious as you pass through school zones because the fines for speeding through a school zone has gone up. If you would like to read more on this story please see New state laws affect crossing guards in Gainesville, Florida.