The James City County Police Department is set to begin a 30-day warning phase for its new automated photo speed enforcement program in several school zones. The initiative will cover Stonehouse Elementary School, Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School, Toano Middle School, D.J. Montague Elementary School, James River Elementary School, Lafayette High School, and Norge Elementary School.
Speed studies conducted in 2024 found a high rate of speeding in these areas. Over a five-day period, authorities recorded nearly 38,000 violations across the designated school zones.
Starting September 8, drivers who exceed the posted speed limit in these zones will receive mailed warnings marked in red. These notices serve as reminders but do not carry fines or penalties.
After the warning period ends on October 8, live enforcement will begin. Drivers exceeding the school zone speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour will be issued civil citations with fines. These tickets do not result in points on a driver’s license or affect insurance rates.
The cameras will operate only when schools are in session and children are present, specifically when school zone beacons are flashing. The goal is to improve safety during times when students are likely to be around.
“We are committed to changing driver behavior, slowing speeders down, and protecting our children. Please drive safely in our school zones and in our community. Working together, we can achieve our goal of ZERO. ‘Zero crashes, Zero injuries, and Zero endangered lives,’” said the department.
Further details about the program can be found at https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/4132/Automated-Speed-Cameras-Designated-Zones
