Speed Camera Program Up For Review In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Use of speed cameras in a school zone up for consideration by Falls Church City Council.

Virginia legislation passed in 2020 allows localities to adopt ordinances to use speed cameras in school zones and work zones. If a vehicle is speeding 10 or more miles above the posted school zone speed limit, a fine up to $100 can be issued, according to the state legislation. Some Northern Virginia localities have already launched speed camera programs or plan to.

The City of Falls Church has identified the 800 block of West Broad Street near St. James Catholic School as the proposed location for speed cameras. If the program is approved, the speed cameras could be set up during times students are arriving at and leaving school.

"We'll have enforcement set up in the 800 block of West Broad Street with this ordinance for approximately three hours a day," said Capt. Steve Rau of the Falls Church Police Department.

The fine for a violation would be $100 but would not result in points on a driver's record or notifications to insurance. The speed camera contractor would send speeding violations to the police department to review and confirm.

Under the state law, a 30-day warning period would be required before fines could be issued. Drivers would receive warning notices for violations during the warning period.

According to Rau, speed cameras were not considered for city work zones because they are not "viable" locations.

First reading of the speed camera ordinance by City Council is scheduled for Sept. 11.

Support for Traffic Enforcement to Boost Safety

Councilmember Dave Snyder said he strongly supports the speed camera program under the limited authority given by the state. He also suggested the city's legislative requests to the state continue to include wider authority for electronic traffic enforcement.

"I believe that's the number one issue that our public is concerned with in terms of public safety is traffic safety. and electronic is a key part of bringing that under control and enhancing safety.

The speed camera proposal prompted additional discussion on traffic safety, including the current red light camera enforcement and upcoming 20 mph speed limit on certain residential streets.

An analysis by the city's consultant found a speed camera would work better than a red light camera in the 800 block of West Broad Street. Still, multiple City Council members noted concerns with the red light camera violations at enforcement locations.

The city currently has red light cameras at Broad Street and Annandale Road and Broad Street and Cherry Street. Vice Mayor Letty Hardi urged the city to look into more locations for red light cameras.

"I think it's gotten so bad now that even when the walk signal comes on, they're still running," said Hardi.

The city's contractor is looking into the feasibility at other intersections, according to Rau.

Hardi also encouraged the city to look into other locations for speed cameras allowed under the state authority. Under the state legislation, qualifying school zones must be within 600 feet of a school. The city also considers locations with significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic with a risk to the school and an appropriate line of sight distance for cameras to catch violations.

Rau said speed cameras near Jessie Thackrey Preschool would not fit under the criteria. Hardi asked the city to look into if speed cameras would be allowed near Dulin United Methodist Church's preschool on Broad Street, where a police officer is often stationed for traffic enforcement. Hardi said a speed camera would free up police for other work.

The police department is also working on staffing to increase traffic officers for enforcement, according to Rau. There is one full-time dedicated traffic officer, and a second could be on the way once more officers are hired.

In other traffic safety news, the city is working on installing HAWK pedestrian-controlled signals for crossing Broad Street at Oak Street, Fairfax Street and Berry Street. Construction could get underway in October.

According to City Manager Wyatt Shields, the city is also preparing to launch a 20 mph speed limit on certain streets this fall. This will only apply on many residential streets and not major roadways like Broad and Washington Streets or collector streets like West Street, Hillwood Avenue, Great Falls Street and Park Avenue. Once the city confirms the start date, there will be a campaign to notify residents, the city manager said.