LA PLATA, Md. -- The Charles County Sheriff's Office announced that they will launch a new automated speed monitoring program to decrease driver speeds in school zones throughout the county. The new speed enforcement initiative will begin on or about Monday, July 9.

During the initial 30-day warning phase, motorists who exceed the speed limit by 12 miles per hour or more in county school zones will receive warning notices in the mail. Once the warning phase is complete, actual citations will be issued to commuters who exceed the posted speed limit and the fine will be $40. These citations are not reported to insurance companies and no license points will be assigned.

Notification signs will be placed at all speed enforcement locations so that motorists will be aware that they are approaching a speed enforcement zone.

The Sheriff's Office plans to begin the program with three portable camera units. The program is expected to be in full operation by July 30.

The targeted locations are:

-- East and West bound Port Tobacco Rd. at Archbishop Neale School

-- North and South bound Smallwood Dr. at Wade Elementary School

-- East and West bound Leonardtown Rd. at Thomas Stone High School

-- North and South Indianhead Hwy. at Smallwood Middle School

-- East and West bound Berry Rd. at Jennifer Elementary School

-- North and South bound Marshall Corner Rd. at James Craik Elementary School

-- North and South bound Indian Head Hwy. at Smallwood Middle School

-- East and West bound Berry Rd. at Mattawoman Elementary School

-- North and South bound Marshall Corner Rd. at McDonough High School

A press release issued by the Sheriff's Office says the county will review the program results before future expansion.