Drivers are now required to slow down near several schools in Alexandria, Virginia.
The new speed camera safety program began on Monday, the first day of school for Alexandria City Public School students. The school zones will be marked with flashing signs to signify the speed limit is 15 mph.
"The City is committed to providing Safe Routes to School, and vehicle speed is among the top concerns cited by parents and guardians when asked about their children walking or biking to school," a release from the city of Alexandria said.
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The new cameras use radar technology to capture violations, but an officer will validate a violation before it is sent to drivers in the mail, according to the release.
Crash history, traffic volume, vehicle speed and number of students were considered when selecting the speed camera locations.
The speed cameras are near the following Alexandria City Public Schools:
- Francis C. Hammond Middle School (Seminary Road, between Kenmore Avenue and North Jordan Street)
- John Adams Elementary School (North Beauregard Street, between North Highview Lane and Reading Avenue)
- Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School (North Beauregard Street, between North Highview Lane and Reading Avenue)
- George Washington Middle School (Mount Vernon Avenue, between Braddock Road and Luray Avenue)
Drivers have a month-long grace period to adjust to the new cameras. After Monday, Sept. 18, fines of up to $100 will be issued to drivers speeding in the school zones.
At the end of the 2022 school year, the city of Alexandria issued over 3,500 warning tickets to drivers during a two-week period.
