City of Alexandria, VA

08/17/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/17/2022 13:16

City of Alexandria to Implement Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras in Select School Zones

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2022

The City of Alexandria is advancing its efforts to improve traffic safety with the launch of a new automated speed enforcement program that will install speed cameras in select school zones. The Alexandria City Council approved funding for five speed cameras in school zones as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Approved Budget. The program is expected to launch in early 2023.

This fall, the City will provide updates to the community on the following dates:

  • September 26: Traffic & Parking Board Public Hearing

  • October 11: City Council First Legislative Meeting

This program is part of the City's adopted Vision Zero plan to enhance traffic safety and eliminate fatal and severe crashes by 2028.

The Commonwealth of Virginia passed a law in 2020 authorizing the use of speed cameras in school and work zones. The City is joining other Virginia communities such as Arlington County and the City of Fairfax in implementing this program.

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.

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.

Speed camera locations in school zones will be selected through a data-driven process that will consider factors such as vehicle speeds, vehicle volumes, and crash history. These 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.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at [email protected] or 703.746.3969.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact [email protected] or call 703.746.6756, Virginia Relay 711.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/3889.