Richmond resident urges safe driving near school zones amid updated speed camera numbers
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond school zone safety cameras have generated nearly $2.5 million in fines for drivers going over the speed limit.
Since the program’s launch in March 2024 through July 1, 2025, a total of $2,474,718 in fines have been collected. That includes $585,380 in 2024 and $1,889,338 so far in 2025.
For resident Paul Lounello the numbers aren’t surprising.
“I live in the Forest Hill area; I'm smack dab in the middle of two schools where they have speed cameras set up. I can tell you firsthand there is some dangerous driving that goes on,” Lounello said.
Richmond safety cameras bring in $2.4 million in fines since program launch
Lounello said the birth of his first child changed his perspective on how important it is to protect kids and parents in the area.
“I see every day parents walking back and forth with their kids,” Lounello said. “If you're anywhere near the Semmes Road area people do drive recklessly. From a safety aspect, I think it's a good thing.”
More data should be available to know if cameras are slowing drivers down as early as Spring 2026.
RPD speed camera numbers show over 40,000 citations so far in 2025
The cameras operate during arrival and dismissal times on school days — including during summer sessions. This year, active summer school campuses included:
- Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts (June 16–20)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School (June 9–July 10)
- Huguenot High School (June 9–July 17)
- Swansboro Elementary School (June 9–July 10)
- Lucille Brown Middle School (June 9–July 10)
Police officials are reminding drivers to remain cautious in school zones — not just when cameras are active.
