In an effort to slow down drivers and prevent tragedies in school zones, the City of Alexandria will be installing automated speed cameras in areas near some schools.
Five speed cameras will start operating in early 2023. Virginia made it legal for municipalities to install speed cameras in school and work zones in 2020 and other jurisdictions, including Arlington County, have implemented speed camera programs.
"Speed cameras are a proven safety countermeasure that can reduce the number of crashes by more than 50%, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). They can also free up police officers to handle other duties citywide," according to city officials.
"Speed cameras may be fixed or portable. They are placed along the roadway and automatically record speed limit violations. After a sworn law enforcement officer affirms the violation, a speeding citation is mailed to the vehicle’s owner, lessee, or renter. The maximum fine is $100."
The specific speed camera locations in school zones are not yet selected; they will be selected through a data-driven process that will consider factors such as vehicle speeds, vehicle volumes, and crash history.
The locations will be published on the City’s Speed Camera Program webpage. Clear signs will be displayed in advance to signal speed camera zones.
Visit the program webpage, for more information.
