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Legislation would authorize National Park Service to use automated enforcement on federal roadways.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — High-speed commuters and reckless driving on the George Washington Memorial Parkway have prompted federal lawmakers to seek a high-tech solution for one of Northern Virginia’s most scenic but dangerous thoroughfares.
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., announced legislation this week that would authorize the National Park Service (NPS) to install speed cameras along the 22-mile federal highway. The proposal aims to curb what local officials and residents describe as a pervasive culture of speeding that endangers motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
“Right now the speed limit is 40 miles an hour, and the average speed is 60,” Beyer said.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway, which is managed by the NPS, serves as a critical link between Mount Vernon and the Capital Beltway. However, its status as federal land has historically limited the ability of local and state authorities to implement automated enforcement tools like speed cameras, which are becoming increasingly common in neighboring jurisdictions.
Under Beyer’s proposed bill, the revenue generated from speeding tickets would be reinvested directly into the parkway’s infrastructure. The funds would be earmarked for safety improvements and general maintenance for the National Park System.
While the bill is prompted by local concerns, particularly on the stretch of road south of Alexandria, Beyer noted that the legislation would have national implications. If passed, it would grant the NPS the authority to implement similar automated enforcement programs on other federal lands, including Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and other national parkways across the country.
The push for cameras follows years of complaints regarding a lack of manual enforcement. State Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, who previously introduced state-level legislation to address the issue, said the United States Park Police have “basically abandoned enforcement” on the road, leading to speeds that are “completely out of control.”
Public opinion on the parkway remains mixed. Majid Haqdost, an Uber driver who frequents the route, said he regularly sees drivers hitting 55 mph. Bicyclists have also voiced support, citing a rise in reckless driving.
However, some motorists remain skeptical of the need for automated monitoring. “I don’t think it’s that bad, to be honest with you,” said Terry Fuller, a frequent driver on the parkway.
Beyer acknowledged that while speed cameras can be controversial, their effectiveness in slowing down traffic is well-documented. He indicated that the NPS has expressed preliminary support for the tool, but noted that the agency cannot move forward without formal federal authorization from Congress.
The National Park Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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