Richmond beefs up network of speed cameras in school zones

The city of Richmond has more than quintupled the number of speed cameras in school zones, from two to 11, as part of an ongoing plan to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Cameras have been operating at Linwood Holton Elementary School and Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts since last November, when the city launched its Safety Camera Program as a pilot. Now, as VPM News reported in August, nine more schools — mostly elementary and middle schools — have cameras active from 7:15–9:15 a.m. and 2:15–4:15 p.m. on school days.

As of today, the 30-day grace period has expired, meaning that anyone caught on camera driving at least 11 mph above the posted school zone speed limit during those windows can expect to receive a citation in the mail.

A driver's first violation will cost $50; subsequent citations will cost $100.Both Rick Edwards, Richmond's police chief, and Renesha Parks, the chief wellness officer for Richmond Public Schools, said the cameras outside Holton and Patrick Henry have led to a drop in dangerous driving around those schools.

For more information, including which schools have new cameras, visit VPM News.