In a recent government meeting, officials reported promising results from the installation of speed cameras near several local schools, including Francis Hammond, John Adams, Ferdinand Day, and George Washington Middle School. The data indicates a significant reduction in speeding violations at Francis Hammond, John Adams, and Ferdinand Day since the cameras were implemented, aligning with the initiative's primary goal of enhancing safety in school zones.

However, the situation at George Washington Middle School presents a contrasting trend. While there has been a slight decrease in the number of drivers exceeding 25 mph during peak morning and afternoon hours, overall speeds have increased throughout the day. Officials attribute this to the congested traffic conditions surrounding the school, which may limit the effectiveness of the speed monitoring.

On average, the speed cameras have issued approximately 48,100 citations per month across all monitored locations, translating to about 0.4% of vehicles receiving tickets. Notably, 82% of these citations were issued to non-residents of Alexandria, highlighting a significant influx of out-of-town drivers in school zones. Additionally, 5% of the cited drivers have received three or more tickets, prompting officials to encourage these individuals to adhere to speed limits for the safety of children.

The meeting concluded with plans to expand the speed camera program to additional sites, as discussed during the recent budget process. Staff will return to the community and policy bodies to outline next steps and analyze crash data in the affected areas, reinforcing the commitment to improving safety in school zones.