In first few months, Richmond’s red-light cameras caught 18,137 vehicles
Thousands of drivers are learning the hard way that running red lights at some Richmond intersections can now come with a $50 ticket.
After a little less than three months in operation, the city’s four fully operational red-light cameras have issued 18,137 warnings and citations, according to data city officials provided this week.
The cameras started up at different times starting in early February. As of April 29, they had issued 7,797 warnings and 10,340 citations.
“Every red light run is a preventable tragedy in the making,” Transportation Director Andy Boenau said in a news release. “We’re sending a clear message that Richmond prioritizes safety over shortcuts, and we’re using every tool available to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and to save lives.”
The two cameras located on Northside’s Laburnum Avenue were the last of the original four installed, but had the highest rates of red-light running.
| Early data from Richmond's red-light cameras | ||
|---|---|---|
| Location | Warning period | Warnings Issued |
| 25th Street and Main Street | Feb. 6 - March 9 | 1,211 |
| Belvidere Street and Cary Street | Feb. 6 - March 9 | 1,428 |
| Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland Park Boulevard | Feb. 23 - March 26 | 2,254 |
| Chamberlayne Avenue and Laburnum Avenue | Feb. 23 - March 26 | 2,904 |
| Total warnings | 7,797 | |
| Location | Date citations started | Citations issued as of April 29 |
| 25th Street and Main Street | March 9 | 2,354 |
| Belvidere Street and Cary Street | March 9 | 2,519 |
| Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland Park Boulevard | March 26 | 2,453 |
| Chamberlayne Avenue and Laburnum Avenue | March 26 | 3,014 |
| Total citations | 10,340 |
The city plans to install 10 red-light cameras in total. Each one is expected to have a 30-day grace period during which drivers will get warnings instead of tickets. The citations are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.
The next three cameras are expected to go online this month at the following intersections:
- Hull Street and Warwick Road
- Hull Street and Cowardin Avenue
- Commerce Road at Maury Street
The final three intersections chosen to get red-light cameras are:
- Mechanicsville Turnpike and Fairfield Way
- Belt Boulevard and Hull Street Road
- German School Road and Midlothian Turnpike
To avoid being ticketed by the new cameras, city officials urged drivers to slow down when the light turns yellow instead of speeding up, fully stop on red without rolling into the intersection and plan ahead to avoid being in a rush.
Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at gmoomaw@richmonder.org
