Blacksburg Launches School Zone Speed Safety Program
The Town of Blacksburg and the Blacksburg Police Department have launched a new School Zone Speed Safety Program to improve safety for students, parents, school staff, and all community members traveling through local school zones. The Town adopted an ordinance authorizing this program in 2024.
The program utilizes automated speed safety cameras in the designated school zones near Gilbert Linkous Elementary School on Toms Creek Road and Blacksburg Middle School on Prices Fork Road. The goal of the program is to encourage safer driving behaviors and help reduce excessive speeding during times when people are traveling to and from school. Signs indicating the presence of speed camera areas are present in both school zones, helping drivers identify when they are in the vicinity of these cameras.
Beginning August 10, 2026, a 30-day warning period will go into effect in these school zones. Vehicles traveling 11 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit within the active school zone will receive a warning notice. The warning period will be active for 1 month, providing drivers with an opportunity to become familiar with the program areas and adjust their driving behavior.
On September 9, 2026, the program will transition from warnings to full enforcement. Vehicles recorded traveling at or above the established 11mph threshold will be subject to a $100 civil citation.
“The purpose of this program is simple: protecting children and increasing safety around our schools,” said Chief John Clair of the Blacksburg Police Department. “When drivers slow down in school zones, everyone benefits — students, families, crossing guards, school staff, and the broader community.”
Automated school zone speed safety programs are intended to complement traditional enforcement efforts by providing consistent monitoring in areas where children are present. The program focuses on changing driver behavior and increasing compliance with posted speed limits. Residents can learn more about the School Zone Speed Safety Program by visiting blacksburg.gov/speedsafety.
Quick Facts:
The School Zone Speed Safety Program introduces four cameras in two school locations:
- Gilbert Linkous Elementary School – Toms Creek Road
- Blacksburg Middle School – Prices Fork Road
Warning period begins: August 10, 2026
Enforcement begins: September 9, 2026
- Citations issued for speeds 11 mph or more above the posted school zone speed limit
- Civil citation amount: $100
Contact:
Chief John Clair
Town of Blacksburg Police Department
jclair@blacksburg.gov
