What started as a 115-ticket mistake tied to a school zone speed camera in Alexandria, Va., has grown into 834 improper citations — a blow to public trust in enforcement meant to keep students safe.
Here’s what to know
After repeated follow-up from the 7News I-Team, the Alexandria Police Department said the eastbound Seminary Road school zone camera issued 834 improper $100 citations between Aug. 18, 2025, and Feb. 26, 2026. That figure includes the 115 tickets police had initially acknowledged.
According to 7News, the issue results from a conflict between the posted schedule and the camera’s settings. Drivers were told by a sign near the Seminary Road camera that enforcement began at 8 a.m., but the device had been programmed to start issuing citations at 7:30 a.m. — 30 minutes before enforcement was legally authorized.
The issue drew broader attention after 17-year-old Hewen Dalton contacted the I-Team. He also said the school zone lights were not flashing when he was cited…