by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel Police heard numerous citizen complaints about what they believed was an inaccuracy in the school zone speed detection system.
The Sanibel Police Department listened. Two independent speed verification tests were conducted using a calibrated, radar-equipped patrol vehicle. These tests revealed a significant discrepancy in the westbound camera system: the Altumint system reported higher speeds than those measured by the patrol vehicle.
The Police Department notified Altumint of its findings, prompting the company to audit the westbound camera system and the broader Sanibel school zone speed-detection system. Altumint determined that in November the westbound camera was moved behind a palm tree, which interfered with the system and compromised the accuracy and reliability of speed detection.
Approximately 1,701 tickets were issued to westbound drivers, of which 1,335 have been paid, and 366 are outstanding.
Altumint will proactively refund all paid citations. The Sanibel Police Department will authorize dismissal of unpaid citations, and any Uniform Traffic Citations will be retracted. These next steps will resolve the affected citations.