The Greenwich Police Department is telling drivers to expect more children on foot and on bikes starting Friday, Aug. 28, when Greenwich Public Schools open for the 2026-27 school year.
In a social media advisory posted Monday, Aug. 24, police urged drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions and be prepared to stop for pedestrians in school zones, bus stops, neighborhoods and intersections, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal.
The department also directed its message at families: talk with children about using designated crosswalks, stopping and looking both ways, making eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb, and putting away phones and headphones while walking near traffic.
The department said patience and attention from everyone on the road can help make trips to and from school safer for students.
The advisory is the second school-related safety notice from GPD in less than a week. On Aug. 19, police issued a separate warning about e-bike and scooter safety after responding to incidents involving young riders who suffered injuries.
Speed cameras at 10 schools
Greenwich has automated speed cameras installed at 10 schools, according to the town's official website. The cameras activate on school days when yellow zone beacons are flashing and issue civil citations to drivers traveling 10 mph or more over the posted limit. Fines start at $50 for a first violation and $75 for each subsequent one. No license points or insurance impacts apply.
Pre-camera data collected by police showed 223,109 vehicles per week passing through monitored school zones, with 44,208 of those speeding. More than 15,000 were clocked at 15 mph or more over the limit.
The program was temporarily suspended in April after officials determined a required public hearing had not been completed. The town's website, last updated July 30, lists cameras as actively issuing citations, though no formal reinstatement announcement has been located.
Crosswalk beacons added
Greenwich Public Works installed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at crosswalks around town. The yellow flashing lights activate when a pedestrian presses a button, alerting approaching drivers to yield.
A 2026 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found that 18% of Connecticut drivers consider themselves frequent speeders, above the 15% national average. Lauren Fabrizi, spokesperson for AAA Northeast, said in a CT Insider report that the safest speed "isn't the one that everyone else is driving, it's the one that gives you enough time and space to react when something unexpected happens."
