Speed Camera Safety Program

In 2020, the Commonwealth of Virginia passed a law authorizing the use of speed cameras in school zones and work zones. Alexandria is joining several communities across Virginia in implementing a speed camera program.
Page updated on March 30, 2023 at 11:26 PM

Background

Image showing a sign that reads: "SCHOOL ZONE: Speed Photo Enforced"

What is Automated Speed Enforcement?

Automated Speed Enforcement (also known as speed cameras) is a technological tool for enforcing the legal speed limit. Speed cameras may be fixed or portable, and are placed along the roadway to automatically record speed limit violations. After a sworn law-enforcement officer affirms the violation, a speeding citation is mailed to the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle as determined by the license plate.

Speed Camera Programs in the Region

In 2020, the Commonwealth of Virginia passed a law authorizing the use of speed cameras in school zones and work zones. Alexandria is joining several communities across Virginia in implementing a speed camera program, including Arlington County and the City of Fairfax. Speed cameras are also widely used in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.

A map showing jurisdictions in the region that have speed camera programs. Speed cameras are widely utilized in Washington DC and Maryland, and are an emerging program in Virginia.
Map of speed camera programs in the Washington Metropolitan Region.

Speed Camera Safety

Speed is a primary factor in how often crashes occur and how severe they are. The likelihood that a crash will kill or severely injure a person increases as speed increases. The City’s Vision Zero goal is to eliminate fatal and severe crashes by 2028, because no loss of human life is acceptable on our roadways.

Speed cameras are a critical tool in improving traffic safety. The U.S. Department of Transportation has identified speed cameras as a proven safety countermeasure. According to USDOT, speed cameras can reduce crashes by over 50%. Speed cameras also free up traffic safety officers in the City to handle other duties and provide better enforcement coverage citywide.

Speeding is a significant contributor to deaths on our roadways and is particularly hazardous to people walking, especially older adults and children:

A graphic showing that crashes involving higher vehicle speeds carry a higher risk of death.
Source: https://www.transportation.gov/NRSS/SaferSpeeds

Higher speeds increase a driver's reaction time and braking distance:

Higher speeds increase a driver’s reaction time & braking distance graphic
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2015)

Higher speeds reduce a driver's field of vision:

Higher speeds reduce a driver's field of vision
Source: National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Street Design Guide (2013)

Automated Speed Enforcement in School Zones

Program Description

To support the City’s Vision Zero goals to increase traffic safety, the Alexandria City Council included funding for 5 speed cameras in school zones as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 City Budget. Speed cameras will be deployed in select school zones to reduce speeding violations near schools.

Program Timeline

Spring 2022: Budget Adoption
Summer 2022: Program Development
Fall 2022: Program Adoption
Spring 2023: Camera Installation + Warning Period
Summer 2023: Program Launch for 2023-24 School Year

ASE-timeline_graphic

Speed Camera Locations

Speed cameras will be installed on three streets in Alexandria, serving four schools:

  • 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)
Map showing the locations of speed cameras. Speed cameras will be located on Seminary Rd near Hammond Middle school, N Beauregard St near Ferdinand Day Elementary and John Adams Elementary, and Mt Vernon Avenue near George Washington Middle.

Fines for Violations

Per the Code of Virginia, the maximum fine for a speed camera violation is $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are speed cameras?

Speed cameras are a tool to automatically record speed violations. After a sworn law-enforcement officer affirms the violation, a speeding citation is mailed to the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle as determined by the license plate.

Why is the City launching a speed camera program?

The City’s Vision Zero goal is to eliminate fatal and severe crashes by 2028. Speed safety cameras are a proven tool for reducing speeding, changing driver behavior, and building safer communities. Speed safety cameras also free up traffic safety officers to handle other duties to better meet citywide traffic enforcement needs.

The City of Alexandria utilizes state-of-the-art digital cameras and proven violation detection technology to help decrease potential violations and collisions at school zone locations across the city.

Speed safety cameras have been shown to be effective in pedestrian-related injuries and reducing crashes by more than 50%, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Most importantly, communities that use speed safety cameras consistently report safer roads around their schools. The program helps ensure that drivers pay more attention and obey traffic control devices.

Where are speed cameras allowed?

The Code of Virginia allows the use of speed cameras in school zones and work zones.

Where are school zone speed cameras operational?

School zone speed safety cameras will be operational within 15-mile-per-hour school zones at 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)

Speed safety cameras will not be operational during the summer months.

How were locations selected?

The locations were selected following a feasibility assessment and consideration of factors including crash history, traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, age, and the number of students.

Locations were agreed upon by Alexandria City Public Schools, the City of Alexandria Police Department, and the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services.

Are there signs posted or beacons flashing where school zone speed safety cameras are enforced?

Locations of school zone speed safety cameras will include flashing beacons notifying drivers when the speed safety cameras will be active. Clear signage will be displayed at each location to inform drivers they are entering a speed safety camera zone. 

What is the fine amount for a school zone speed violation?

The fine amount for a school zone speed safety violation is $100.

Who receives the Notice of Violation?

Notices of violation are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Will “points” be assessed on my driving record?

A speed violation is not considered a “moving violation”. No points can be assessed, and it will not raise your insurance rate.

Will the speed safety cameras take a picture of the driver?

No, only the rear of the vehicle will be captured. The registered owner is responsible for the speed violation.

How do I pay the fine?

  1. PAY ONLINE. Visit www.violationinfo.com and log in with your Notice and PIN number referenced on the top of your Violation letter.
    There is an additional convenience fee for online payments.
     
  2. PAYMENT BY MAIL. Send the bottom portion of your violation along with a check or money order payable to the following address. Be sure to include the License Plate and Notice number on the face of your payment.

    City of Alexandria
    Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Program
    P.O. Box 35131
    Seattle, WA 98124-5131

    Please do NOT mail cash.
     

  3. PAY BY PHONE: call (toll-free) 1-866-790-4111 and select option 1. Available 24/7, 7 days a week.
    A fee may apply for phone payments.

Does the amount due require payment from the registered owner?

Anyone can pay the balance due if they are using their own form of payment.

What if I don’t agree with my speeding violation? How can I dispute it?

The owner of the vehicle shall be responsible for this Notice of Violation. If you don't agree with your speeding violation you have the right to contest the violation by:

  1. AFFIDAVIT: Submitting an Affidavit of Non-Liability or Non-Operation. Review the forms on www.violationinfo.com and follow the directions on submitting your Affidavit. Your affidavit and documentation will be reviewed. You will be notified in writing of any action taken.
  2. REQUEST A HEARING: If you would like to request a hearing, sign the coupon on your Notice of Violation and mail it in the enclosed envelope. By requesting a hearing, you acknowledge that if found liable, you will be responsible for the civil penalty. If you fail to attend your hearing, you will be found liable and will be responsible for the civil penalty. If you choose to pay the civil penalty before your hearing date, you do not need to attend the hearing.

What if I lost my Notice of Violation?

Please call 1-866-790-4111 and have your license plate number readily available. You can also email info@violationinfo.com.

What if the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation?

The registered owner of a vehicle will be mailed the Notice of Violation. If your vehicle/plate was stolen or you are a rental/lease car agency, you may complete an Affidavit of Non-Responsibility and attach supporting documentation found on www.violationinfo.com. The Affidavit must be received by the due date of your Notice. The Affidavit and supporting documentation will be reviewed and you will be notified in writing of any action taken.