Speed Cameras In School Zone On Alexandria City Council Agenda

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City Council will soon consider approval of a speed camera program for school zones that could begin in early 2023.

Speed cameras had been recommended in the city's Vision Zero Action Plan, which seeks to eliminate fatal and severe crashes in Alexandria by 2028, and the Alexandria Mobility Plan. According to a memo from City Manager James Parajon, residents and neighborhood groups have expressed concerns about vehicle speeds through outreach for the Vision Zero Action Plan and Alexandria Mobility Plan, as well as Alex311 reports. The memo cited the U.S. Department of Transportation recommending speed cameras as a way to reduce traffic crashes and crashes with injuries.

Speed cameras could also ease the enforcement responsibilities of Alexandria police officers, who in June adjusted how they respond to calls amidst staffing shortages. Police officers would still need to confirm the violations through the devices, resulting in a speeding citation being mailed to the vehicle’s owner, lessee, or renter.

The local authority to add speed monitoring cameras comes under 2020 Virginia legislation. The legislation states a driver traveling at speeds 10 or more above the highway work zone or school crossing zone speed limit by a monitoring device could get a civil penalty up to $100. A violation from a monitoring devices cannot add points to a driver's license record.

Funding for five speed cameras in school zones had been approved by City Council in the fiscal year 2023 budget. According to the memo from the city manager, locations for the five speed enforcement cameras will be decided by the Transportation and Environmental Services Department in collaboration with the Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria City Public Schools. Factors for location selection will include vehicle speeds, traffic volumes, number of students walking to school, equity and more. A map of school zones is available here.

The state legislation allowing speed monitoring devices requires signage within 1,000 feet of the device to warn drivers. The city indicated speed cameras would be set up with advance signs to notify drivers.

Speed cameras are used in areas of DC and Maryland, as well as Arlington County and the City of Fairfax. Fairfax County is also considering a pilot program for speed cameras through the local authority given by the 2020 the state legislation.

On Sept. 26, the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board voted to recommend the speed camera program ordinance be adopted. City Council's first reading of the speed camera program is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11 with second reading and final adoption scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15. If approved by City Council, city staff estimate the speed cameras would be in place in early 2023.

Once speed camera locations are decided, they are expected to be shared on the city's speed camera program web page.