Hampton Roads’ Speed Cameras Bring in Millions and State Lawmakers Are Taking Notice

Speed enforcement cameras are proving to be a major moneymaker for some Hampton Roads cities - and now state lawmakers are questioning whether the systems are about safety or revenue.

Two cities, Suffolk and Chesapeake, account for nearly half of the $57.8 million collected statewide from speeding violations in school and work zones between 2022 and 2024.

• Suffolk brought in $16.7 million, about 29% of the total.
• Chesapeake collected $11.5 million, about 20%.

When adding revenue from Portsmouth, Hampton, York County and Southampton, Hampton Roads cities together made up 53% of all speed camera fines statewide.

The number of localities using speed cameras has exploded – from just 5 in 2022 to 53 cities and counties in 2025. Norfolk, Virginia Beach, James City County and Gloucester are among the newest to join. New Kent County also launched cameras on I-64’s widening project this summer, issuing thousands of tickets in a 60 mph work zone.

⚖️ Lawmakers Push Back
At an August Virginia State Crime Commission meeting, Sen. Mark Peake (R-Lynchburg) blasted the rising revenues:

“I am appalled. This is outrageous. We have to do something as a General Assembly.”

House Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria) agreed, signaling bipartisan frustration. Some lawmakers argue cities are using the fines to fund local budgets, not just to improve road safety.

A proposal earlier this year would have directed speed camera revenue to the state transportation fund instead of local coffers. Localities and their lobbyists fought the change, and the bill died in committee.

🏗 Suffolk Defends Its Program
Suffolk officials argue the cameras are doing what they’re supposed to: getting drivers to slow down.
City Manager Kevin Hughes says work zones on Route 58 and 460 have long been dangerous. Since cameras went up:

• Speeding citations on Holland Road dropped 34% in a year.
• Crashes in that corridor fell 21%.
• School zone speeding tickets citywide declined 45% from the first to the second year of enforcement.

Hughes says all revenue goes toward public safety initiatives.

Chesapeake also reported big numbers, particularly around Deep Creek High School and Greenbrier Christian Academy, each generating close to or over $1 million last year.

🚗 Speeding Still a Serious Problem
State transportation officials say speeding remains a top safety issue.

• In 2024, 14,000 Virginians were involved in speed-related crashes.
• Speed is a factor in 45% of fatal accidents statewide.

Lawmakers emphasize that this debate isn’t about letting speeders off the hook – it’s about ensuring camera programs are used responsibly, not as “profit centers.”

📜 Legal and Legislative Battles
Local attorney Tim Anderson has sued both Suffolk and Chesapeake, arguing the cities are violating state law by letting private vendors issue violation notices. The cases were dismissed in Circuit Court, and the Court of Appeals sided with the cities. Anderson plans to appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court.

A separate bill from Del. Holly Seibold (D-Fairfax) sought a middle ground:

• Expanding camera use to pedestrian crossings.
• Requiring clear warning signage.
• Sending revenue to a state fund.

But local opposition helped sink the bill in the Senate.

🔍 What’s Next?
The Virginia State Crime Commission is expected to release recommendations in December on how to balance safety, privacy, and funding concerns. Meanwhile, more cities are signing up for the technology.

For drivers, the message is clear: slow down – especially in school and work zones. Cameras aren’t going away anytime soon.