RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond’s Safety Camera Program has issued more than 40,000 citations to drivers speeding in school zones so far this year, city officials reported.
Between January 1 and May 20, 2025, the Richmond Police Department (RPD) recorded 40,724 violations through its speed cameras, resulting in nearly $1.38 million in fines. However, as of May 20, more than $1 million in fines remain unpaid, highlighting a lag between citation issuance and payment collection.
Registered vehicle owners have 30 days to pay or contest their fines in court, a process that can delay revenue collection. Since the program began in March 2024, the city has collected nearly $2 million in total fines.
The cameras operate during school arrival and dismissal times, aiming to enforce speed limits in school zones and protect children. City officials urge drivers to slow down whenever children are present.
Residents like David Easterling, who regularly drives by Huguenot High School for work, say they’ve noticed a reduction in speeding since the program’s implementation.
“There’s really no point in speeding even if you’re late,” Easterling said. “I used to see just packs of people going 40 or 50 miles an hour when it was just 35 miles an hour, let alone during school hours when it was for just 25 (mph).”
Easterling, a nurse who works in a spinal cord injury unit, stressed the importance of obeying traffic laws to prevent serious injuries.
“I’ve seen the results of multiple accidents,” he said. “Whether it be from red light running or speed-involved crashes, I deal with the rehabilitation and recovery of individuals on a day-to-day basis.”
The city’s Safety Camera Program continues to focus on improving safety in school zones, with officials reminding motorists that the speed limits are in place to protect children and reduce traffic-related injuries.
