Editorial: Public safety balance needed for revenue-generating speed cameras – The Virginian

As some drivers have learned the hard way, Hampton Roads is ahead of the curve in using technology to address speeding. But — as positive as the public safety benefits of that effort might be — critics have raised valid concerns about the potential for technology to be abused to create a 21st century variation of speed traps, a cynical money-making venture for local governments.

Cities and counties in Hampton Roads collected $30.8 million , or 53% of the state’s total revenue in 2022-24, from speed enforcement cameras in school zones and highway construction zones.

Suffolk, where $16.7 million in fines were collected, was the state leader with 29% of the total revenue. Chesapeake — with $11.5 million in fines, or 20% of the state total — was right behind its neighbors. Cameras were al