News Summary
The York County Board of Supervisors has approved an ordinance for a red-light camera enforcement program to enhance traffic safety. The program will start at three intersections, with fines set at $50 for violations detected by the cameras. The initiative aims to reduce red-light violations and associated crashes, with Sheriff Montgomery highlighting a hazardous intersection that accounted for a majority of violations. Despite concerns about privacy, the program marks a significant step toward improving traffic conditions in the county.
York County, Virginia – The York County Board of Supervisors has approved a new ordinance for a red-light camera enforcement program aimed at enhancing traffic safety throughout the county. This initiative will enable the sheriff’s office to hire a designated company to manage the red-light camera system and will impose a fine of $50 for violations captured by the cameras.
The program is set to commence at three initial intersections, with the potential for expansion based on further studies and feedback from the public. Sheriff Ron Montgomery has identified the intersection of George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17) and Victory Boulevard as the most hazardous location in the county, noting that there have been 169 crashes recorded there since January 1, 2024. Furthermore, this intersection accounted for over 57% of the total red-light violation summonses issued countywide, with 162 out of 281 violations coming from this site alone.
In addition, a one-day study conducted in the spring at this intersection revealed an alarming 119 red-light violations between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Traffic safety statistics indicate that red-light cameras can lead to a reduction in violations ranging from 24% to 40%, as well as a decrease in traffic crashes at monitored intersections. Previous efforts to monitor red-light violations by deputies faced challenges due to the necessity of an officer witnessing the infraction and the limited availability of safe pull-over areas.
Before installing any new traffic cameras, an engineering study with the Virginia Department of Transportation will be conducted. Each recorded violation will undergo a review by a law enforcement officer to verify the infraction, after which a civil fine will be issued. Fines will be mailed to the registered owner or renter of the vehicle, and they will not affect insurance rates. Those who receive fines will also have the opportunity to contest them.
The implementation of the camera system will incur no costs to the county, and any resulting revenue will contribute to the county’s general fund. This approach follows a similar program initiated in 2024, where speed cameras were approved for school zones, carrying a $100 fine directed to the same general fund.
Despite the approval, some supervisors expressed concerns regarding privacy issues associated with the expanded use of cameras. Supervisor Wayne Drewery voiced apprehension over the implications of increased surveillance, while Supervisor Sheila Noll highlighted the absence of public hearings prior to the ordinance’s enactment, questioning the lack of citizen input about the additional intersections identified for potential enforcement.
Sheriff Montgomery is considering the evaluation of two more intersections: Hampton Highway (Route 134) and Victory Boulevard, as well as Fort Eustis Boulevard and George Washington Memorial Highway, for future red-light camera enforcement. State regulations permit one red-light camera per every 10,000 residents, suggesting that York County might feasibly install up to seven cameras throughout the region.
The ordinance to authorize the red-light camera enforcement program passed with a vote of 4 to 1, with Supervisor Noll as the dissenting vote. The implementation of this program marks a significant step toward enhancing traffic safety in York County, particularly at intersections that have proven to be problematic.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Red Light Runners Beware
- Wikipedia: Red Light Camera
- CBS News: Suffolk County Red-Light Cameras Deactivated
- Google Search: Red Light Camera Enforcement
- Fox 5 NY: Suffolk County Ends Red-Light Camera Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- CT Insider: CT Red Light and Speed Cameras
- Google News: Red Light Camera Program
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
