To curb speeding and improve student safety, Spotsylvania officials have announced the launch of an automated speed enforcement program in school zones across the county. The initiative is a joint effort between the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the School Board, and the Board of Supervisors, in partnership with safety technology provider Altumint.

The decision comes after multiple speed studies revealed alarming trends, particularly near Battlefield Middle School.

“On a single weekday morning, 2,179 drivers were recorded speeding through the school zone at Battlefield Middle School located on Leavells Road. That’s 58% of all vehicles on that road during school hours,” said Sheriff Roger L. Harris. “These aren’t just numbers — this is a daily threat to the safety of our students.”

The Risks of Speeding

Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety underscores the danger: a pedestrian struck at 31 mph has a 50% chance of severe injury or death, while at 39 mph, that risk climbs to 75%. Battlefield Middle School data showed average speeds exceeding 35 mph, with many drivers going over 40 mph in a clearly marked 25 mph zone.

“The safety of our students, staff, and the community at large is our No. 1 priority,” said Dr. Clint M. Mitchell, Superintendent of Spotsylvania County Public Schools. “This proactive safety measure is another process to help keep everyone safe in our school zones.”

Program Rollout

• Warning Period Begins: August 12, 2025 (first day of school)
• Warning Period Length: 30 days
• Citations Begin: September 11, 2025
• Citation Costs: $50 for the first violation; $100 for repeat violations

Violations will be treated as zero-point traffic infractions and will not be reported to the Virginia DMV. Revenue from the program will be reinvested into community safety initiatives, reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.

Schools in First Phase

The first set of schools with speed cameras includes:

• Battlefield Elementary School, 11108 Leavells Road
• Battlefield Middle School, 11120 Leavells Road
• Courthouse Road Elementary School, 9911 Courthouse Road
• Livingston Elementary School, 6057 Courthouse Road
• Massaponax High School, 8201 Patriot Highway
• Salem Elementary School, 4501 Jackson Road

Technology Partner

The program is operated with Altumint, a U.S.-based provider of automated traffic enforcement solutions and the first contractor to implement a school zone speed program in Virginia.

“We’re honored to support Spotsylvania County in launching a solution grounded in data, safety, and community partnership,” said Jason Norton, CRO at Altumint. “Programs like this only succeed when everyone is aligned with the goal of protecting people, especially students, in places where they should be safest.”

More Information

For full details, including how to pay or appeal violations, visit: www.spotsylvania.va.us/School-Zone-Speed-Cameras

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