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Two Virginia Senate bills that would eliminate red-light cameras and speed cameras in school and highway work zones advanced Jan. 22, intensifying a debate over whether the devices protect the public or primarily generate local revenue.

The Senate Transportation Committee endorsed SB 306 and SB 297 on separate 8-7 votes. Democratic Sens. Jennifer Boysko of Herndon and Lashrecse Aird of Petersburg joined six Republicans in moving forward the measures from Republican Sen. Mark J. Peake of Lynchburg.

Boysko said her votes were meant to signal concern that localities may be using automated cameras more to raise money than to improve safety.

She also said she expected Peake to propose a floor amendment addressing revenue generation while excluding school safety zones, work zones and high-crash intersections from the repeal.

SB 306 would end local authority to operate red-light cameras. SB 297 would repeal authority for speed cameras in school zones and highway work zones. Peake has characterized automated enforcement as government overreach and “surveillance creep.”

Fairfax Families for Safe Streets urged residents to oppose both measures before a full Senate vote scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2. The group said the cameras reduce crashes and protect children, and specifically called on constituents to ask Boysko to vote against the bills on the Senate floor.

The legislation follows growing scrutiny of how camera fines are used. After vendors receive their monthly or per-ticket fees, the remaining revenue generally goes to the city or county operating the cameras. Virginia does not require localities to spend that money in a particular way.

A Virginia State Crime Commission report issued in December 2025 found that speed-camera citations had generated nearly $60 million since 2022. It also noted that the money goes directly to localities without state restrictions or reporting requirements governing how it is spent.

Arlington County’s speed-camera guidelines state that fine revenue enters the county’s general fund. Elsewhere, localities have directed camera proceeds toward sidewalk repairs in Virginia Beach, police personnel expenses in Albemarle County and a behavior-change marketing campaign in Fairfax County.

Virginia also lacks a strict state audit system for determining exactly how local governments classify spending that they describe as safety-related.