Virginia Beach Launches School Speed Zone Camera Enforcement Program

The City of Virginia Beach will launch a School Speed Zone Camera Enforcement Program to help protect students and encourage safer driving in designated school zones, using automated cameras to reinforce posted school zone speeds during active school zone times.  

“Every child deserves a safe trip to and from school, and parents desire peace of mind for their children in school zones,” said LJ Hansen, director of the Virginia Beach Public Works Department. “This program increases protection for our students and reminds all of us to slow down while staying alert when school is in session.” 

In partnership with the Virginia Beach Police Department, Public Works has been critical to this effort with a mission to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. According to Public Works Traffic Engineering, Virginia Beach school zone crashes 6 a.m.-6 p.m. from Monday to Friday totaled 48 in 2022, 29 in 2021, 35 in 2020 and 42 in 2019. 

The City identified 14 initial school zones to implement speed cameras, with seven being installed this year and seven next year. The first three school zone areas to be equipped with cameras will be Red Mill Elementary School, Centerville Elementary School, and Great Neck Middle School/John B. Dey Elementary School. The additional four school zones this year are Seatack Elementary School/Birdneck Elementary School, Woodstock Elementary School, Salem Middle School/Salem High School, and North Landing Elementary School/Technical and Career Education campus. 

The remaining seven school zones scheduled for cameras in the 2026-2027 academic year are Bayside Middle School/Bettie F. Williams Elementary School, Brookwood Elementary School, Rosemont Elementary School, Hermitage Elementary School, Holland Elementary School, Creeds Elementary School, and New Castle Elementary School. 

This program allows Virginia Beach police officers to concentrate efforts elsewhere while still having the benefit of enforcement in these areas, modifying the behavior of motorists to create safer roads for students. 

The new program’s automated cameras will measure the speed of passing vehicles, documenting any that are traveling above the speed limit. The date, time and location of the violation, as well as the speed and license plate of the vehicle, are recorded. The registered owner is mailed a citation, which includes information pertaining to the violation.  

The warning period will be the first 30 days after cameras are installed, and any violators will receive warning notices only. This timeframe will build awareness, reinforce posted school zone speeds, and give drivers time to adjust before citations begin. Following the warning period, citations will be issued for a fine of $100. Traffic safety efforts for Public Works will be funded by a portion of the proceeds generated by the fines.  

Residents and visitors can learn more about the School Speed Zone Camera Enforcement Program at VirginiaBeach.gov/SafeSchoolZones.