PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Portsmouth police officers are warning drivers to slow down near school zones, or else they could get a $100 ticket in the mail.
Starting on October 30, speed cameras will be installed across seven school zones in the city: I.C. Norcom High School, Douglas Park Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, Chuchland Middle School, Brighton Elementary School, S.H. Clarke Academy, and Simonsdale Elementary School.
Drivers will get warnings through the mail starting on October 30 and by December 1, those warnings will turn into tickets.
"I think it's a good idea. You have no idea how fast some of these cars can go," said Darryl Brickhouse, a Hampton Roads resident. "I live right by a school zone and people have no regard for anyone else, just their own time."
Enforcement of these cameras will begin 30 minutes before the start of the school day, and 30 minutes after dismissal.
Portsmouth's Police Chief, Stephen Jenkins, said the project is meant to keep both students and crossing guards safe.
"These deterrents that we are putting up, we're hoping is going to save a life," said Jenkins.
However, some are already expressing concerns about drivers knowing when to slow down,
Florence Whitfield said her granddaughter already got a speeding ticket near a school zone in Chesapeake. She said when she looked at the school zone later, she found it hard to see the signs.
"It was not immediately clear... next thing we know we get a ticket in the mail," said Whitfield. "Before any tickets go out there needs to be some signage next to it."
A spokesperson with Portsmouth police said there will be time for drivers to get accustomed to the new changes and signs of the school zones will be posted.
If drivers drive 10 miles over the posted speed limit in a school zone, they could receive the ticket in their mailbox.
All violations should be recorded, and police said still images and video can be provided to any drivers who find themselves with a ticket.