New enforcement program activates fines after thousands of warnings issued to drivers
Virginia Beach, VA – Drivers speeding through select school zones in Virginia Beach will now face fines as automated enforcement cameras officially begin issuing citations starting Wednesday. The move follows a six-week warning period that recorded thousands of violations across three school areas.
The Virginia Beach Police Department announced that as of April 1, cameras installed in designated school zones are actively identifying speeding vehicles and issuing $100 citations. The enforcement applies to zones near Red Mill Elementary, Centerville Elementary, and Great Neck Middle School and John B. Dey Elementary.
Officials said the program is part of the city’s School Speed Zone Camera Enforcement initiative aimed at improving safety around schools during designated hours.
Thousands of warnings issued during trial period
Key Points
- Automated school zone cameras began issuing $100 speeding tickets on Wednesday
- Enforcement applies to three school zones across Virginia Beach
- More than 4,600 warnings were issued during the pre-enforcement period
According to program data released by police, 4,659 warning notices were issued to drivers between February 17 and March 27 during weekday enforcement periods. During that time, violators were notified but not fined as part of a grace period before full enforcement began.
“Beginning April 1, automated cameras are now identifying speeding drivers in the initial three Virginia Beach school zone areas, and those drivers will receive a citation and a $100 fine,” the department said in a statement.
Program targets school zone safety
Police emphasized that the cameras are focused specifically on reducing speeding in school zones where pedestrian traffic is higher during arrival and dismissal times.
“This new safety measure at the school zones of Red Mill Elementary, Centerville Elementary, and Great Neck Middle / John B. Dey Elementary is enforced by the Virginia Beach Police Department as part of the School Speed Zone Camera Enforcement Program,” the department stated.
Authorities are directing residents to additional program details available through the city’s Safe School Zones initiative.
