Tappahannock, VA — November 9, 2026— The Town of Tappahannock and the Tappahannock Police Department are launching a School Zone Speed Safety Program near Tappahannock Elementary School and Essex High School. The program responds to speed studies that recorded 1,835 violations during school hours in five school days, an average of 367 per day.

The goal is simple: encourage drivers to slow down where students, families, school staff and buses travel.

WARNINGS COME FIRST
The program will begin with a 30-day warning period. Drivers who meet the program’s violation criteria will receive warning notices, not civil penalties, during this education period.
• Warning period begins: Monday, November 16, 2026
• Notices of violation begin: Wednesday, December 16, 2026

Speed safety cameras will operate only during approved school zone enforcement periods. A law-enforcement officer will review each potential violation before a notice is issued.

Steve Wright, Town Manager, Town of Tappahannock

“The speed studies showed a clear need to address dangerous driving near our schools. This program is another tool to help protect students, families and everyone who travels through these areas.”

Thomas Carter, Police Chief, Tappahannock Police Department

“We want drivers to use the warning period to adjust their behavior. Watch the signs, follow the active speed limit and stay alert for students and school traffic.”

WHAT THE STUDIES FOUND
The studies documented repeated high-risk speeding during school hours:
• Near Tappahannock Elementary School, 31 vehicles were recorded at 45 mph or faster while the 25 mph school zone speed limit was active.
• Near Essex High School, 58 vehicles were recorded at 60 mph or faster while the 25 mph school zone speed limit was active.

PROGRAM PARTNER
Altumint will provide school zone speed safety technology and program support.

“Safer roads start with strong partnerships and a shared commitment to the community,” said Jason Norton, Chief Relationship Officer, Altumint. “We look forward to working alongside Tappahannock to encourage safer driving and help protect students and families traveling through these school zones.”

Drivers can avoid a warning or notice of violation by following the active speed limit and staying alert in school zones. Learn more at tappahannock-va.gov/school-zone-speed-enforcement.

For questions, please contact Thomas Carter, Police Chief, at tcarter@tappahannock-pd.gov or (804) 443-3992.