Huntsville police made nearly 600 traffic stops and issued 680 citations during this year’s Zero in the Zone campaign, a sharp increase in enforcement around city schools compared with last year.

The Huntsville Police Department wrapped up the annual initiative Aug. 31 after conducting 593 traffic stops in and around Huntsville City Schools. Officers also issued 143 written warnings, and one driver was cited for illegally passing a stopped school bus.

Last year’s campaign resulted in 249 traffic stops, 234 citations and 72 written warnings.

That means traffic stops increased nearly 140% from 2025, while the number of citations nearly tripled.

Zero in the Zone began at the start of the school year, with HPD assigning additional officers to school zones to target speeding and other unsafe driving as students returned to class.

“School zones are some of the most important areas for drivers to slow down and pay attention,” HPD Sgt. Chris Jackson said. “Our goal is not simply to issue citations. It is to change driving behavior and help make sure our students, parents and school staff get to and from school safely.”

Although the initiative has ended for the year, HPD said officers will continue focusing on school-zone safety throughout the school year.

Police are reminding drivers to obey posted speed limits, avoid using phones behind the wheel and watch for children walking, biking or entering and exiting vehicles near schools. Drivers are also required to stop for school buses when applicable.

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