MIDDLETOWN, R.I. — A new school-zone speed camera program in Middletown has resulted in more than 6,500 citations in just over two months, highlighting widespread speeding in areas where children and families are present.
Police say 6,540 citations have been issued since enforcement began Jan. 6 along Forest Avenue, Turner Road and Purgatory Road.
The numbers follow an extended warning period that far exceeded state requirements. From Oct. 27, 2025, through Jan. 5, 2026, the department issued 7,137 warning notices, giving drivers more than 70 days to adjust their behavior.
Despite that window, violations surged once tickets began. Police issued 3,213 citations between Jan. 6 and Jan. 30 alone.
The data shows the average speed was 33 mph, well above the posted 20 mph school-zone limit. Citations are only triggered when a vehicle is traveling at least 11 mph over the limit.
“The volume of citations issued in these school zones clearly reflects the necessity of the system to effectively deter speeding and improve driver behavior,” said Middletown Police Major Clifford A. McGregor, deputy chief of police.
Each citation is reviewed and approved by a trained officer before being issued. Drivers can either pay the fine or contest the ticket in Municipal Court.
Purgatory Road has generated the highest number of violations among the three locations.
Police said signage at each site meets the minimum requirements under Rhode Island law, and that flashing lights or speed feedback signs are not required for citations to be valid.
Officials say the early results point to both the scale of the problem — and the goal of the program: slowing drivers down where it matters most.
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