Board authorizes county administrator to sign contract for school‑zone speed cameras; ordinance required
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Summary
Following a presentation from county law enforcement and the vendor, the board authorized the county administrator to execute a contract to install school‑zone speed‑enforcement cameras at four schools and instructed staff the vendor will draft a county‑specific ordinance (Virginia code referenced) for adoption; vote was unanimous.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized the county administrator to execute a contract with a vendor to install school‑zone speed‑enforcement cameras at four school locations, and directed staff to bring a county‑specific ordinance required under state law.
Sheriff’s office representatives and the vendor outlined how enforcement will be limited to active school‑zone hours (approximately one hour each morning and afternoon), that the infraction is civil (a maximum $100 fine, no insurance‑point penalties) and that VDOT determines school‑zone extents and speed‑limit studies. The vendor and staff said signage will notify drivers and that the vendor would prepare the required Orange County code language for the board’s eventual adoption under Virginia Code.
“People will be issued a fine if they’re 10 miles per hour over that zone during school time,” said one presenter. Board members stressed the goal is safety rather than revenue, described the measure as a force multiplier for deputies and cited local speed‑study data showing a high number of infractions at targeted sites. The board’s action authorizes the vendor to begin planning and ordering materials; formal legal effect requires the board to adopt the drafted ordinance later.
