The James City County Police Department in Virginia is considering a traffic enforcement rule affecting school zones. With an Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program being launched, it is clear that this is a data-driven initiative that seeks to improve cases of reckless driving in places where children go to school. Camera systems will be placed at schools and all drivers will have to be more aware of flashing lights as not complying could result in fines being mailed to them.
An automation era towards safer schools
James City County may very well be following suit and embracing the trend of other municipalities. From September 8, 2025, the country joined a 30-day warning phase, which clearly stipulates that violators would receive mailed warnings prior to receiving mailed fines. The warning phase will last until October and from October 8, 2025, all offenders will have to embrace the automation era fully and may receive a $100 civil penalty when caught speeding.
Several schools are involved in the initial rollout, and the list of schools includes:
- Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School
- D.J. Montague Elementary School
- James River Elementary School
- Lafayette High School
- Norge Elementary School
- Stonehouse Elementary School
- Toano Middle School
According to data from 2024 speed studies, about 37,892 speeding violations occurred within five days in all the above areas. The ASE system is meant to be easy but effective. When school zone indicators flash, cameras and radar systems are used to assess vehicle speeds. All drivers who exceed the speed limit by 10 mph or more will be issued a fine via mail. Failure to abide does not lead to DMV points or insurance rate spikes; it does result in a financial penalty. The hope is that the fine alone will make drivers more aware of the speed at which they are driving.
Curbing the problem of speeding near schools
The core reason behind this ASE program is not at to enforce penalties on citizens; however, it is in place to ensure that the broader Vision Zero approach to road safety is reached. The idea behind such automated enforcement is to reduce fatalities. Drivers will be encouraged to slow down closer to schools so as to save children’s lives.
Gone are the days of the more traditional method, whereby a police presence was needed to ensure that speeding did not occur. With automated systems, impartial and around-the-clock monitoring is on offer. The best part is that school safety is prioritized as the cameras operate when school is in and children are present.
Transparency is further ensured as all details pertaining to the automation is updated on the official website. Signage in affected zones will aso be clear to ensure that drivers are aware of the change and abide by the speeding rules.
Modernizing the response to an old problem on roads
While speeding closer to schools is not a novel issue, the technological solution has been put in place to ensure that speeding closer to schools is no longer a problem. Thus far, traditional enforcement methods have been unable to curb the speeding problems. Automating the process will result in an automatic behavioural change for drivers. Virginia is ushering in speed-limiting tech throughout the state.
A clear-cut road towards automated speed reinforcement
According to James City County’s official statement, moving forward with automated speed enforcement is a way to ensure much safer school zones. Relying on technology means that law enforcement is unbiased and more consistent. The aim is to ensure that students at school are safer and fatalities do not occur near schools, and with smart fines becoming a reality in most states, the measure is needed.
