"If you’re not speeding, you have nothing to worry about” speed cameras coming to Jamestown, Matoaka schools

It's April 30. School chief says the cameras are working to keep schools safe. County staff takes next step to simplify landscaping requirements. Police open house this Saturday.

Warning sign and speed cameras outside Lafayette High School on Longhill Rd. (Williamsburg Watch photos)

It’s official: Speed zone cameras will be coming to Jamestown High School and Matoaka Elementary School by next school year.

“I know our community is not a big fan of them,” James City County Police Chief Mark Jamison told the county supervisors at their business meeting Tuesday. “But I always say if you’re not speeding, you have nothing to worry about.”

Jamison said the speed cameras had reduced speeding by 90% at the seven schools where the cameras were working this school year.

James City partnered with Blue Line Solutions to set up devices to monitor speed using a laser-powered system known as LIDAR. The system triggers cameras to photograph the license plates of vehicles violating the speed limit by at least 10 miles per hour during scheduled school zone hours.

Drivers who are caught speeding have the option to pay a $100 fine and avoid points on their license, or they can take their chances with traffic court and risk both the points and attention from their insurers, who might raise their rates.

Through January, more than 4,000 speeders were ticketed and paid more than $355,000 in fines. Blue Line keeps $15 from every ticket to pay for the system.

But county officials say they don’t see the cameras as a revenue stream.

“It slows you down, which is the point,” Jamison said.