Front Royal Takes a Stand for Safer School Zones with Automated Speed Enforcement

In a decisive move towards enhancing the safety of its youngest citizens, the Front Royal Police Department is rolling out an innovative automated traffic enforcement speed program targeting four key educational institutions: A.S. Rhodes Elementary School, Ressie Jeffries Elementary School, Skyline Middle School, and Warren County Middle School. This initiative is a direct response to alarming Speed Studies carried out in 2023, which revealed a staggering 15,383 speeding violations within just a four-day observation period in school zones.

The alarming statistics from last year’s Speed Studies have propelled the Front Royal Police Department into action, leading to the deployment of an advanced automated traffic enforcement system designed to curb speeding in critical school zones. The initiative underscores the community’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its children, leveraging technology to foster a culture of responsible driving.

The program is meticulously designed to alert and educate drivers about the importance of adhering to speed limits in school zones. Marked by clearly visible signs, including speed limit notifications, flashers, and explicit photo enforcement warnings, these areas are now equipped with feedback display signs. These installations allow drivers to immediately see their speed, offering a real-time opportunity to adjust driving habits before it’s too late.

Cameras strategically placed in these zones will capture any vehicle surpassing the posted speed limit by 10 MPH or more during key school hours, ensuring that offenders are held accountable. The essence of this program isn’t to penalize but to educate and induce a long-lasting change in driver behavior for the sake of children’s safety.

The enforcement mechanism is not only sophisticated but also fair, adhering to strict state regulations. Each piece of equipment undergoes rigorous checks and certification by an impartial third party, ensuring accuracy and reliability in capturing speed violations.

Starting February 12, 2024, the department will initiate a 30-day warning phase, during which violators will be notified without a fine. This grace period is a part of the department’s efforts to educate the public and give drivers a chance to adapt to the new measures. Post-warning period, any violations captured will result in a civil citation mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner. Importantly, these citations carry no demerit points against the driver’s license and will not affect insurance rates, as they are classified as civil offenses.

As the enforcement officially commences on March 18, 2024, the Front Royal Police Department emphasizes that the program’s goal is to foster safer driving habits, not to penalize drivers. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to the well-being of the community’s children, urging everyone to slow down and contribute to creating a safer environment around our schools.

The automated traffic enforcement speed program is a testament to Front Royal’s dedication to its residents’ safety and quality of life. By encouraging mindful driving and respect for speed limits, especially in school zones, the initiative promises to make the streets of Front Royal safer for its youngest pedestrians. The community is urged to support this endeavor, recognizing that every effort to reduce speed is a step towards safeguarding our children’s future.