PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Portsmouth police officers want drivers to think twice before stepping on the gas pedal!
Department officials said new speed cameras in school zones have caught an "alarming" number of violators. During one November week, police officers said the new speed cameras caught 5,067 drivers blowing through school zones.
Spokeswoman Kimberly Jones said they are extending the warning period through December 31. But starting January 1 violators will get a $100 fine in the mail.
With six grandchildren of her own, Portsmouth resident Mary Griffin welcomes the fines.
"I think it’s wonderful," Griffin said. "Because speed limits and stuff it’s 25, not 45, 50. You hit a kid, that’s the end of it.”
Crews installed the cameras in front of seven schools across the city at the end of October. Jones said cameras will send fines to anyone traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
Retired educator Gina Stukes said she supports enhanced safety measures but wonders if there is an alternative to ticketing.
“I can understand the safety cautions when students are coming out of school the buses are going," Stukes said. "I can understand it. But, maybe there is another option they can look at instead of ticketing people. I know in Chesapeake, they have the cameras on the buses.”
The fine period starts 30 minutes before the school day begins and lasts until 30 minutes after dismissal.
Speed enforcement signs are posted along the road before drivers reach a school zone.