From vaping, the cost of school supplies to cellphone policies, the WTOP team is studying up on hot-button topics in education across the D.C. region. Follow on air and online in our series “WTOP Goes Back to School” this August and September.
When students return to school in Arlington County, Virginia, speeding drivers will learn an expensive lesson — the county has installed 10 new speed safety cameras in Arlington school zones.
The speed limit in the school zone locations is 20 miles per hour when lights on the speed limit sign are flashing. Signs alerting drivers to the presence of the speed cameras will be located 1,000 feet in advance of each camera.
When students return to classes on Aug. 26, a monthlong warning period designed to raise public awareness will begin, running through Sept. 24.
Then, on Sept. 25, speed zone violators will be issued a $100 ticket — a civil fine — mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
Arlington County identified school zone locations within the county that would most benefit from automated safety devices in accordance with the county’s Vision Zero strategy. PhotoSPEED locations were then selected using safety data sources.
In 2020, Virginia enacted legislation to allow speed safety cameras in school and work zones. The county board adopted the proposed changes to county code in January 2022.
School zone signs will be flashing during school arrival and departures. Digital images and video footage of vehicles traveling in excess of the posted speed limit will be reviewed by the contractor, before sending it to the Arlington County Police Department. An officer reviews the footage, before it’s sent to the vehicle owner.
PhotoSPEED cameras will be installed at the following locations:
- NB 1300 block of N. Kirkwood Road
- WB 5800 block of Wilson Boulevard
- SB 400 block of N. George Mason Drive
- SB 600 block of S. Carlin Springs Road
- SB Unit block of S. Carlin Springs Road
- SB 1900 block of S. George Mason Drive
- NB 1900 block of S George Mason Drive
- SB 1200 block of S. George Mason Drive
- EB 4500 block of Washington Boulevard
- EB 5200 block of Yorktown Boulevard
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