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Forest Heights designates Oxon Hill Road segment as residential to allow 24‑hour speed cameras
Summary
Council voted to reclassify a portion of Oxon Hill Road as a residential district, enabling automated enforcement around the clock pending State Highway Administration approval; mayor cited recent fatal crashes as part of the rationale.
The Forest Heights mayor and council voted April 6 to designate a segment of Oxon Hill Road as a residential district for the purpose of automated speed enforcement, a change that enables enforcement 24 hours a day rather than limited school‑zone hours.
Mayor Lily described traffic and safety incidents in the corridor, including recent fatal crashes, and said the change is intended to improve pedestrian and driver safety. Chief Ruffin and staff explained that State Highway Administration (SHA) approval is required to reclassify the roadway; if SHA approves, the camera at the post‑office corridor could operate beyond school hours.
Council member McDonald, who earlier had flagged concerns about camera citations affecting senior drivers, supported moving forward and said the measure would address weekend and late‑night speeding. Council member Hines asked to wait for more information; after discussion, the council adopted Resolution 30‑26 by roll call (5 yes, 1 abstention). Staff will submit the classification request to SHA.
Why it matters: Reclassifying the corridor could extend automated enforcement to times when speeding and serious crashes have occurred, affecting drivers who travel that stretch overnight or on weekends.
What’s next: Staff will file the classification request with the State Highway Administration and return to the council if SHA denies or requires changes.
