PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With the start of the new school year, school-zone speed cameras are being reactivated across Rhode Island as more communities take advantage of the technology.
Under state law, an automated speed enforcement system can only be installed in a school zone, which is defined as anywhere within a quarter-mile radius of a school. The cameras can also only be active between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on school days.
12 News reached out to all 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island to find out where school-zone speed cameras stand across the state. Here are the responses we’ve received:
Rhode Island
Barrington
As of last year, there were no speed cameras in Barrington, but Chief Michael Correia noted that the town was in the “very early stages of getting them.” 12 News has reached out to the department for an update.
Bristol
There are no school-zone cameras in Bristol and currently no plans to install any.
Burrillville
There are no school-zone cameras in Burrillville and currently no plans to install any.
Central Falls
Central Falls students return to the classroom on Aug. 26. As of last year, there were school-zone speed cameras in the following locations in Central Falls:
- Blackstone Valley Prep (Lonsdale Avenue, southbound)
- Ella Risk Elementary School (Hunt Street, eastbound and westbound)
- Raíces Dual Language Academy (Hunt Street, eastbound and westbound)
- Learning Community (Broad Street, northbound and southbound)
- Central Falls High School (Illinois Street, northbound)
- Capt. Hunt School (Pine Street, northbound)
- Calcutt Middle School (Washington Street, northbound)
Charlestown
There are no school-zone cameras in Charlestown and currently no plans to install any.
Coventry
There are currently no school-zone cameras in Coventry, but police Captain Alex DeMolles said that the town had put out a request for proposals around six months ago. In an email, Coventry’s town manager said the plan was “on hold.”
Cranston
There are no school-zone cameras in Cranston and currently no plans to install any.
Cumberland
There are no school-zone cameras in Cumberland and currently no plans to install any.
East Greenwich
There are no school-zone cameras in East Greenwich and currently no plans to install any.
East Providence
There are 10 operational school-zone speed cameras in East Providence. Lt. Kurt Hawes told 12 News that the cameras will be reactivated on either Sept. 1 or Sept. 2. The cameras are active between 7 a.m. and 4p.m. on schooldays. They are installed at the following locations:
- Pawtucket Avenue in front of St. Mary Academy – Bay View (Sept. 1)
- Pawtucket Avenue in front of East Providence High School (Sept. 2)
- Pawtucket Avenue in front of Kent Heights School (Sept. 2)
- Forbes Street in front of Riverside Middle School (Sept. 2)
- Bishop Avenue in front of St. Margaret School (Sept. 2)
Exeter
The town of Exeter doesn’t have its own police department and is instead in the jurisdiction of Rhode Island State Police. Lt. Erik Yanyar told 12 News the town does not have any school-zone speed cameras, and there are no plans to install any.
Foster
There are no school-zone cameras in Foster…