Alexandria Police Department Traffic Safety Unit Focuses on Enforcement as Students Head Back to School
As the new school year begins, the Alexandria Police Department is committed to ensuring a safe environment for students, parents, and school staff. The department has initiated a Back-to-School Traffic Enforcement Initiative focused on safety during school drop-off and pick-up times.
Key aspects of the enforcement effort include a strong focus on traffic safety with specific attention to several critical areas. There is new instructional signage at the entrance and drop-off areas to the Alexandria City High School (ACHS) and Minnie Howard Campuses indicating “No Stopping, Parking, or Standing” areas along King Street or W. Braddock Road, for the safety of everyone driving in the roadway. Officers will monitor and enforce speed limits in school zones to prevent dangerous driving around children. Increased patrol presence will ensure traffic direction to reduce parking lot pile-ups. Additionally, officers will actively ticket those who illegally pass stopped school buses and will closely watch for aggressive driving behaviors to deter reckless actions in school zones.
“The APD is dedicated to the safety and well-being of our students, families, and faculty as they return to school this year. Our Traffic Safety Unit has worked closely with Alexandria City Public Schools to be proactive in enforcing traffic safety in and around our schools to provide a safe environment for all,” said Raul Pedroso, Interim Chief of Police.
Parents and drivers are advised to anticipate traffic delays and avoid rushing. Eliminating distractions such as cell phone use will help drivers stay attentive to traffic signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road.
Officers will be out in full force to address traffic violations and promote a safe environment around schools. The department urges all drivers to cooperate and drive cautiously to ensure the safety of Alexandria’s children. Additionally, the public is reminded, that if you see something, say something by calling 9-1-1 and report non-emergencies to the APD non-emergency line at 703-746-4444.
As a member of our community, we ask you to participate in public safety by practicing and being observant of these guidelines:
1. Adhere to the speed limit of 15 mph within Alexandria School Zones
2. Stay alert and observant while driving in school zones, near crosswalks, and bus stops.
3. Put your cell phone away while driving.
4. Automated school zone speed cameras are currently in operation in the following locations:
- Francis Hammond Middle School (Seminary Road, between Kenmore Avenue and North Jordan Street)
- John Adams Elementary School and Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School (North Beauregard Street, between North Highview Lane and Reading Avenue)
- George Washington Middle School (Mount Vernon Avenue, between Braddock Road and Luray Avenue)
5. Adhere to left turn” signage on Braddock Road into the ACHS-Minnie Howard campus to avoid parking lot backup
6. Adhere to “No standing” signage on King Street for student and driver safety
7. APD Parking Enforcement Officers are enforcing Alexandria City Code section 10-4-41 to help ensure those using crosswalks and people approaching them, are more visible to drivers, especially around our schools.
City Code prohibits parking within 20 feet of intersecting curb lines at every intersection.