North Tidewater News

Aug. 2, 2024 — The City of Hampton has initiated traffic camera enforcement at specific locations during weekday rush hour as part of a safety program aimed at discouraging motorists from using residential neighborhoods to avoid highway congestion.

Cameras became operational on Aug. 1 on the Mallory Street Bridge in Phoebus and on Settlers Landing Road in front of the Hampton University campus. These cameras target motorists attempting to access entrance ramps to eastbound Interstate 64 towards the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel from 3-6 p.m. weekdays. Throughout August, violators will receive written warnings but no citations. Starting Sept. 1, violators will be fined $50 for running red lights in these locations.

The city aims to deter motorists from exiting I-64 eastbound during afternoon commutes and driving through downtown, Phoebus, or other neighborhoods to circumvent highway congestion caused by the HRBT Expansion Project. The additional traffic creates problems for residents and businesses and increases maintenance needs for city streets.

The next phase of the safety program coincides with the start of the school year on Aug. 26, with cameras positioned in school zones to identify speeders who do not obey reduced speed limits during student arrival and departure times. Initially, seven schools with consistent speeding issues will be monitored, expanding to at least 12 school zones. As with red light cameras, there will be a 30-day grace period during which violators receive written warnings; post-grace period fines will be $100.

The city collaborates with contractor Verra Mobility for this program's implementation.

While the Virginia Department of Transportation supports Hampton's traffic safety efforts, VDOT is not involved with camera enforcement; inquiries should be directed to the City of Hampton.