The Ashland Police Department prepares for the 2011 school year by stepping up enforcement in school zones and at pedestrian crossings.

The 2011 school year for local schools and Randolph-Macon College are quickly approaching and the Ashland Police Department would like to remind motorists and pedestrians to be careful especially in school zones and pedestrian crossing. The Police Department will be watching to ensure that motorists and students are safe on their commute to and from classes and school activities.

Officers will be operating radar in school zones and watching for violations in the area of pedestrian crossings throughout the school year. Virginia state code requires motorists to yield for pedestrians that are in the crosswalks, but pedestrians must yield to motorists until they have a break in the traffic pattern to cross safely. There is additional penalty of $250.00 for speeding in school zones.

Please help us protect our students by using extreme caution when travelling through school zones. For further information please contact the Ashland Police Department at (804) 798-1227 or visit us at www.ashlandpolice.us

James Shelhorse
Lieutenant
Public Information Officer
Ashland Police Department