Traffic safety program, camera enforcement start Aug. 1

July 26, 2024 - The City of Hampton will begin using traffic camera enforcement on Aug. 1, marking the start of a public safety program that will include red light violations and speeding in school zones.

The program will begin on Aug. 1, weather permitting, with cameras enforcing red light violations from 3-6 p.m. weekdays on the Mallory Street Bridge in Phoebus and on Settlers Landing Road in front of Hampton University. The red lights at those locations will restrict access to eastbound Interstate 64 during rush hour, discouraging motorists from detouring through residential neighborhoods as a short cut to reach the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.

The first 30 days will be a grace period, during which violators will receive a written warning but no citations. After the grace period, violators caught on camera will begin receiving citations with a $50 fine.

The next phase of the safety program will be timed to the start of the school year on Aug. 26, with cameras positioned in school zones to identify speeders who do not obey the electronic notice of a reduced speed limit in the mornings and afternoons when students are arriving and departing. The camera enforcement will start with seven schools identified as having the most consistent problem with speeding motorists. The program will expand to at least 12 school zones. As with the red light cameras, there will be a 30-day grace period during which violators will receive written warnings. After the grace period, violators will begin receiving citations and fines.

The city is working with the contractor Verra Mobility on implementation of this program.