PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Portsmouth has begun enforcement of its new red light cameras.
The city started issuing citations on July 22, after a 30-day grace period for its first cameras.
So far, red light cameras are in operation at three intersections: at Twin Pines Road and Towne Point Road, Frederick Blvd. and Turnpike Road and Victory Blvd. and Greenwood Drive.
Cameras at the other six intersections (see the others included in the graphic below) are still in the process of being installed, but there’s no estimate for completion, the city says. A spokesperson said the city would notify drivers when those additional cameras are in place, through signage and other means.
Those additional camera will also have a 30-day grace period before they start issuing citations.
$50 citations will only be issued when a vehicle does not stop and travels through a red light traffic signal. No points will be assessed for the violation, and it won’t appear on your driving record. All citations will have to be signed off on by a police officer, and drivers are able to challenge a citation.
Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins said at a July 23 city council work session that the camera locations were picked based on speed and crash studies.
The red light cameras come just months after Portsmouth started issuing fines for those who speed through school zones. The city pays private vendor Altumint to install and maintain the equipment, and a fee for each citation. Any revenue beyond that is given to the city to be used for public safety and/or schools, Jenkins.
So far, Portsmouth’s netted nearly $335,000 as of May 2024.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
