CHESAPEAKE, Va. — To some, it might be seen as a pain, but for others, speed zone cameras mean an extra layer of protection for Chesapeake students.
“If you’re actually having kids that are coming to those locations, they’re attending those schools, it’s still important to keep that area safe,” said parent Brittany Mitchell.
Chesapeake police will turn on speeding cameras in certain school zones watching out for speeders as Chesapeake Public Schools holds summer school.
“In general, kids don’t pay attention," said parent Kimberley Martin. "So, if we don’t back them with something like that, you know there’d be accidents.”
These cameras will be active through July 25, excluding the Fourth of July holiday.
Martin said she’s seen some speeders throughout the school year and expects it to ramp up this summer.
“Mostly because we’ve waited nine months for summer vacation," Martin said. "So, everybody’s in a hurry to get everywhere.”
Parents like Mitchell said these cameras have helped throughout the school year and expect to see drivers slowing up over the next month. Mitchell said it serves as a good reminder to pump the brakes.
“You’re traveling on these roads often and a lot of times it’s not during school hours," she said. So, it can be easy to forget when a special area is zoned for 45 miles an hour and all of sudden it’s now 25.”
Cameras will be active at four different locations:
- Great Bridge Intermediate: 300 Hanbury Road West (portable) 7:05-7:50 a.m. and 11:20 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
- Southwestern Elementary: Airline Blvd. 7:05-7:50 a.m. and 11:20 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
- Deep Creek High: George Washington Highway 8:15-9:00 a.m. and 12:30-1:15 p.m.
- Oscar Smith High: 400 Block Great Bridge Blvd (portable) 8:15-9:00 a.m. and 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Violators will face a $100 fine if caught speeding 10 miles over the posted speed limit.