PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Speed cameras and red light cameras will be up and running in Prince William County by the summer. The county's Board of Supervisors approved the pilot program Tuesday.
The vote to approve the speed cameras in school and work zones was unanimous.
"I know that this will have an impact. This is a pilot program to make sure that people know this county is serious about protecting life in these intersections and corridor in this county," Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye said.
However, not all county leaders were on board for the red light cameras. That measure passed in a 5-3 vote. The county leaders who voted against the red light cameras cited concerns that it would be a trap for residents and another way to generate revenue.
Last year, the county's Board of Supervisors asked for a speed camera study to examine traffic in areas like construction sites and school zones. The results of the study were presented to the board last month.
For five work days, 16 school zones in the county were observed. Researchers found 22 percent of cars were traveling at least 10 miles over the speed limit. In that same time period in construction zones, about four percent of cars were caught traveling more than 10 miles above the speed limit.
Eight different intersections were also studied in a 24-hour period where more than 6,500 violations were counted.
Red light and speed cameras would run for about a year under the pilot program, from August 2023 to July 2024.
If drivers are caught speeding in a construction site or school zone they would face up to a $100 fine. Drivers would be on the hook for a $50 fine if they are caught running a red light.
If drivers are caught speeding in a construction site or school zone, then they will face up to a $100 fine. Drivers will be on the hook for a $50 fine if they are caught running a red light.
Here are the proposed initial intersections to be considered for red light enforcement:
- Linton Hall Rd / Nokesville Rd
- (Rt1) Richmond Hwy / Gordon Blvd Rt 123
- Dale Blvd / Minnieville Rd
- Prince William Pkwy / Sudley Manor Dr
- Prince William Pkwy / Hoadly Rd
- Old Bridge Rd / Harbor Dr
- Old Centreville Rd / Yorkshire Ln
- Lee Hwy / Heathcote Blvd
Some of the initial school zones being considered include Fitzgerald Elementary School, Woodbridge High School, Patriot High School, and Rippon Middle School.
The cost of the project is $850,000, but according to the proposal, the funds would be recovered within the first year of enforcement.
In the 5-3 vote on red light cameras, Supervisors Robert Weir, Jeanine Lawson, and Yesli Vega voted against the program.
