LAKE WALES, Fla. — Lake Wales will soon become the next city to crack down on speeding near schools.

City commissioners recently approved a program to install speed-detection cameras in school zones. It’s a safety precaution that resident Barbara Gilman says is long overdue.

“This intersection is really dangerous. Fender-benders, people yelling and screaming at each other, and people pretty much do what they want to do at these red lights,” she said.

Gilman has been hoping for cameras to be placed near Highlander Way since her daughter started attending Lake Wales High School two years ago. Despite the crosswalks for students, she says drivers speed down the street daily.

“People turn and they don’t see them. I’m surprised that a child hasn’t gotten hurt yet,” she said.

According to a school-zone study initiated by the city last September, more than 2,000 speeding violations were recorded near the high school. This is why Lt. Edward Palmer with the Lake Wales Police Department says commissioners voted to install speed-detection cameras.

“What we’re hoping to do is reduce any accidents, serious bodily injuries, or even fatalities within the school zones,” Palmer said.

Officials also plan to implement red-light cameras on two major highways. Right now, Palmer says the city is still searching for a company to operate the cameras. In the meantime, Gilman has a message she wants drivers to keep in mind.

“Around schools, it’s very important to be very cautious,” she said. “People need to have a little more patience.”

Lake Wales will be the sixth city in Polk County to implement cameras to enhance traffic safety.