When school begins Aug. 12 in Spotsylvania County, motorists speeding through school zones will have 30 days to remember to slow down or their pockets may become a bit lighter.
On Wednesday, Spotsylvania County announced the launch of an automated speed enforcement program in school zones.
The initiative, which was approved by the board of supervisors in January after the matter was tabled last fall, is a joint effort between the county, school division and sheriff’s office.
The county is partnering with safety technology provider Altumint on the project.
“We’re honored to support Spotsylvania County in launching a solution grounded in data, safety and community partnership,” Altumint Chief Revenue Officer Jason Norton said in a statement. “Programs like this only succeed when everyone is aligned with the goal of protecting people, especially students, in places where they should be safest.”
The decision to implement speed cameras came after multiple studies showed consistently dangerous driving behavior during school hours, particularly near Battlefield Middle School on Leavells Road.
A total of 2,179 drivers were recorded speeding through the school zone on one weekday morning, Sheriff Roger Harris noted.
“That’s 58% of all vehicles on that road during school hours,” Harris added. “These aren’t just numbers; this is a daily threat to the safety of our students.”
Average speeds near Battlefield Middle exceeded 35 mph, with many traveling faster than 40 mph in a 25 mph zone.
“The safety of our students, staff and the community at large is our No. 1 priority,” Spotsylvania County Public Schools Superintendent Clint Mitchell said. “This proactive safety measure is another process to help keep everyone safe in our school zones.”
The county will reinvest revenue generated from the speed cameras back into the community for safety initiatives.
The 30-day warning period for the program begins Aug. 12, the first day of school. Citations will begin being issued on Sept. 11. The cost is $50 for a first violation and $100 for repeat infractions. The fines will provide funding for the program. Speed camera infractions are not reflected on one’s driving record and will not be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
In the first phase of the program, cameras will be placed at Battlefield Middle (11108 Leavells Road), Battlefield Elementary (11120 Leavells Road), Courthouse Road Elementary (9911 Courthouse Road), Livingston Elementary (6057 Courthouse Road), Massaponax High (8201 Patriot Highway) and Salem Elementary (4501 Jackson Road).
For more information on the program, including how to pay and appeal violations, visit: www.spotsylvania.va.us/School-Zone-Speed-Cameras
