PORTSMOUTH, Va. — It’s another set of eyes in Portsmouth.
“It’s going to help the city very much,” said Portsmouth resident Harriett Nicholson.
Red light cameras now sit at busy intersections like Victory Blvd and George Washington Hwy. The Portsmouth Police Department recently activated the cameras at nine different locations:
- Victory Blvd and Greenwood Dr
- Victory Blvd and George Washington Hwy
- Frederick and Airline Blvds
- Frederick Blvd and Turnpike Rd
- Portsmouth Blvd and Elmhurst Ln
- Towne Point Rd and Twin Pines Rd
- W High St and Cedar Ln
- Airline and Victory Blvds
- Portsmouth and Airline Blvds
Right now, a warning period is in place to get drivers accustomed to the change.
“That’s not a bad idea, but I think they should really address some of the local issues right now,” Portsmouth resident Douglas Harris said.
“I’m not into all of this speeding, road rage we’re seeing right now. So, I’m okay with the cameras,” said Ernest Hines, another Portsmouth resident.
Drivers caught running a red light by the cameras will face a citation during the warning period. However, that citation will come with a $50 dollar fine starting July 22nd.
“We have a lot of heavy traffic, especially in this area,” Nicholson said. "It'll stop a lot of speeders."
Nicholson thinks these red-light cameras can prevent future crashes. She recalled when another driver almost hit her.
“The light turned green," she said. "The person ran the red light. If I hadn’t slowed down, he would have caught me right at my side.”
On the other hand, Harris thinks there are other pressing matters city officials should address.
“Water issues and stuff that they got going on right now," Harris said. "Traffic lights shouldn’t be the most endeavoring thing right now to do.”