School Zone Enforcement Cameras Installed at Buford, Johnson, and Summit

Letter from Dr. Gurley with More Information

Dear Staff and Parents,

I am pleased to announce an essential new safety initiative that reinforces our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our students during their daily commute. Starting on May 19, the City of Charlottesville will launch the school zone safety camera program at Summit, Johnson, and Buford, with two locations per school. This aims to prevent speeding and distracted driving in and around our school zones.
 
The safety and well-being of our students remain our utmost priority. This program is a proven effective tool for changing driver behavior and reducing dangerous driving that poses a significant risk to our students.
 
Here are some key details about the program:
 
1. How the technology works:

2. Enforcement: According to Virginia traffic laws and regulations, violators will be subject to appropriate legal actions, including fines.
 
Violations will be enforced during the following periods before, during and after school hours while the camera beacons are flashing:
 

• At Johnson and Summit, enforcement times are 7:30-8:30am and 2-3pm. 
• At Buford, enforcement times are 8-9am and 2:45-3:45pm.

 
3. Education and awareness: From now until the start of the next school year, we will release program information to educate our community about the importance of slowing down in school zones. This will foster a safer environment for our students.
 
4. Implementation timeline: The program will launch on May 19. The safety cameras will include a 30-day warning period. In the first 30 days after the program has been launched, violators who speed 11 MPH over the posted speed limit through a school zone during enforcement hours will be issued a warning. After 30 days, violators will be issued a $50 fine.
 
5. The schools: The following schools were chosen to have these cameras installed at their entrances because of traffic conditions at their schools:

• Summit Elementary School
• Johnson Elementary School
• Buford Middle School

We urge all drivers to be vigilant and responsible when on the road. Our collective responsibility is to protect our students' and staff's lives and ensure their safe journey to and from school.
 
As we prepare to launch this program with the city and the Charlottesville Police Department, we are confident that this program will enhance the overall safety of our students and contribute to a more secure school environment.

We kindly request your support and cooperation in spreading the word about this initiative among your fellow community members, friends, and neighbors. Let us work together to create a culture of safety around our schools.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to view the City’s website to find out additional information.
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Royal A. Gurley, Jr.