School's out, but speed still matters

As summer vacation begins for students in Albany, the city’s school zone speed cameras are shifting into reduced operation. The cameras, which are designed to catch drivers going more than 10 miles per hour over the 20 mph school zone speed limit, are inactive when school is not in session.

The program first launched in October 2024, with cameras initially placed near Albany High School, Eagle Point Elementary, and All Saints Academy. Over the following months, more schools were added, bringing the total to 20 zones covered under the city’s five-year automated enforcement pilot. The program was made possible after state legislation passed in September 2023, allowing Albany to install cameras through 2028.

While school is in session, the cameras are active from one hour before the school day begins to one hour after it ends. Any driver caught going 31 mph or faster during those times receives a $50 ticket. Each new camera location includes a 30-day warning period before fines are issued.

In addition to the school zone changes, Albany implemented a citywide speed limit reduction on January 1, 2025. The new maximum speed in most areas is 25 mph, part of a broader effort to reduce crashes and traffic-related injuries across the city.

Since the cameras were activated, over 126,000 citations have been issued, totaling more than $3.2 million in fines. City officials say the goal is not revenue, but safety—especially in areas where children and families are walking.

From 2018 to 2022, more than 2,100 injuries and 11 fatalities occurred in Albany’s school zones. Lower speeds and consistent enforcement are aimed at reversing those trends. Early results show promise, with traffic crashes and injuries beginning to decline.

As always, drivers are reminded to stay alert, follow posted speed limits, and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. While the cameras take a break for summer, Albany’s 25 mph speed limit is still in place—and safety never goes out of season.