Speed cameras going up in Hopewell school zones

17/07/2024

HOPEWELL, Va. (WWBT)—Drivers who travel along Winston Churchill Drive in front of Carter G. Woodson Middle School will soon see a new addition, part of a new initiative in Hopewell to slow drivers down in school zones.

Carter G. Woodson Middle School(Source;WWBT | WWBT)

The City of Hopewell and Hopewell Police Department plans to install speed cameras in multiple school zones,^[1] including Carter G. Woodson Middle School, Harry E. James Elementary School, and Hopewell High School, to enhance traffic safety and keep kids safe.

Brandon Stanford said he typically sees people speed in different areas, including the area in front of the middle school.

Brandon Stanford talks about the installation of speed cameras in Hopewell school zones.(Source;WWBT | WWBT)

“It depends on what area that you’re in that you see people speeding along,” he said. “Generally, this is one of the streets you might see people speeding on.”

Stanford hopes the speed cameras will make a difference.

“I think if there is a way we can hold people accountable and, at the same token, keep the community safe, especially our younger children, I’m for it,” he said.

An electrical crew works to install speed cameras in Hopewell school zones.(Source;WWBT | WWBT)

On Wednesday, Trilogy Electrical LLC was spotted helping with the camera installation in front of Carter G. Woodson Middle School.

“We’re getting power dropped from the pole to feed the panel to get power to the pole to the speed camera itself,” said Linwood Moneymaker, who is part of the electrical team. “I hope it slows people down in the school zones because we don’t need our kids getting hurt.”

In a press release, Hopewell leaders said these speed cameras will be vital to enhance road safety.

“Implementing these speed cameras is a vital step in our ongoing efforts to enhance road safety. By ensuring drivers adhere to speed limits in school zones, we can create a safer environment for our most vulnerable road users – our children,” said Hopewell City Manager Concetta Manker in a press release.

An initiative Stanford and others hope will make a difference.

“Don’t speed around the schools, just be safe,” he said. “Buckle up and be conscious and mindful that there are little children that are our futures that’s just walking around here and trying to get their education.”

Speed cameras will soon go up in multiple school zones in Hopewell.(Source;WWBT | WWBT)

“It’s always a good thing,” said Hopewell resident Otis Kelly. “It keeps people honest and make you abide by the law and the rules of the road.”

Drivers will receive a 30-day warning period starting July 29. On Aug. 28, drivers who speed will receive a $100 citation in the mail. For more information about the speed cameras, click here.^[2]

References

^{^} https://www.hopewellva.gov/101/Public-Safety (www.hopewellva.gov)
^{^} click here. (www.hopewellva.gov)