RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia drivers could soon see more speed cameras throughout the Commonwealth.
Delegate-elect, Michael Jones (D-Richmond) introduced a bill that would expand where speed cameras can go up. Right now, Virginia law only allows cities and counties to put cameras in school or construction zones.
Jones said this bill would give jurisdictions the power to strategically place these cameras on dangerous roads where they are needed the most.
"A locality is going to know better than anyone up at the state level what street needs it over the other," Jones said.
Board of Supervisors members in Prince William county say current law has left their hands tied and unable to bring safety changes to dangerous roads in the county.
Cardinal Drive has seen several deadly crashes in the last four years. In 2020, a speeding driver lost control on Cardinal Drive, hitting and killing Debbie Talbot while she was walking her dog. Lori Rulapaugh, Talbot's best friend is still waiting for safety changes along the road, despite speaking up for years.
RELATED: Family of woman killed in crash believes speeding is serious issue on Cardinal Drive in Woodbridge
"Each and every day I think about her and I think about ways we can address this problem and save someone from experiencing this tragedy," said Rulapaugh.
In 2023, the county approved a pilot speed camera program, but left out Cardinal Drive because it does not run through a school or construction zone.
RELATED: Why this deadly road in Prince William County is not included in the new speed camera program
Prince William County Supervisor Victor Angry tells WUSA9 he is in full support of this bill and plans to go to Richmond to testify. He says he hopes this will be a tool for the county to help drivers change their behaviors.
"Many people lost their lives on this road. I just think people need to slow down. Take a look at yourself, look at your speedometer and if you're going faster than the posted speed limit, slow down. Do the speed limit, it's that simple," said Angry.
Opponents of speed cameras have often cited privacy issues and concerns the technology would be used as a money grab opportunity for localities.
House Bill 20 has been assigned to a transportation subcommittee. No hearing date has been set for the bill yet.
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