Central Virginia speed cameras generate millions in fines, but some parents question effectiveness

RICHMOND,Va.—JohnSarvayhasspent12yearsnavigatingbusystreetstogethischildrentoandfromRichmondPublicSchools.Ashepicksuphisfifthgraderafterthefourthdayofschool,he’sfrustratedthatspeedingremainsapersistentproblemdespitenewenforcementmeasures. “We’vegot12yearsofcrossingthisbusystreet,”Sarvaysaid.“Evenwiththecrosswalkandthesignthatsaysstopforstatelawandthecamera,westillhavepeoplerollingthroughathighspeeds,notstoppingforpedestrians.” WhileSarvayadmitsthecamerasareastepintherightdirection,hequestionstheireffectivenessinchangingdriverbehavior. “Ithinkpeoplejustsortofgointoautopilotwhentheydrive.Alotofpeoplejustreallynotpayingattention—they’refocusedonwherethey’regoing,they’refocusedontheirradio,they’refocusedontheirphone,whateveritis,”hesaid. ThenumbersshowspeedenforcementcamerashavebecomeincreasinglypopularacrossVirginia.Richmo