Cashing in on Cameras: Lawsuit challenges local traffic enforcement cameras

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — If traffic enforcement cameras have a top critic, it would be Virginia Beach attorney Tim Anderson.

“If the city is breaking the law to make money on the citizens, it’s a money grab, and that’s what we’re alleging,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s going to court challenging speed cameras in construction and school zones. Virginia Code states: “any prosecution shall be instituted and conducted in the same manner as prosecution for traffic infractions.”

Anderson is troubled by third-party vendors sending $100 fines for speeding in these zones, and not issuing standard summons through the courts.

“You can’t get a bill like this in the mail for a speeding ticket because that has to be done through the courts,” Anderson said. “That’s what the General Assembly said. And the cities are not following the rules. That’s why we brought the lawsuit.”

The third-party vendor sent a $100 ticket to the driver of a white car that is part of Anderson’s evidence.

It alleges speeding on George Washington Highway in March, doing 48 mph in a 25 mph school zone. That is 23 mph over the speed limit, which is considered reckless driving.

“It’s fraudulent, you send it to Cleveland, Ohio,” Anderson said. “That’s not where the Chesapeake Police Department takes fines. They go through the courts.”

Make no mistake, the traffic enforcement cameras are bringing in millions.

Since April 2022, Chesapeake brought in $9.8 million through mid-June, and over in Suffolk, $14.1 million through July.

“And if you’re not going to follow the rules, and you’re going to do it simply to make money, it’s a money grab,” Anderson said.

Suffolk Mayor Mike Duman thinks Anderson is wrong.

“I think Tim is mistaken,” Duman said. “This is about safety.”

Duman is aware of Anderson legally challenging use of third-party vendors to catch speeders.

“I believe [Anderson] is making a case of the legal process,” Duman said. “Whether there is a point of contention there, there may be. From an intent standpoint, this had nothing to do with money.”

However, there’s lots of money coming in.

According to Suffolk’s Public Safety Committee, which oversees the program, through July 31:

• Revenue collected: $13.4 million
• Vendor paid: $3.5 million
• Uncollected revenue: about $5.6 million

The available funds are distributed to safety programs in the city.

“Citizens can even go online and communicate with our Public Safety Committee to those needs they may have in their neighborhood,” Duman said.

Duman said $1.3 million has already been spent, and he provided a list of where funds have already been applied:

• A new crosswalk between King’s Fork High School and King’s Fork Middle School that’s under construction
• A new bomb detection dog named “CRASH”
• School flasher updates
• Mills Street guardrail
• Sheriff Department bulletproof vest
• Suffolk Police Trikkes

“Public input is important, and the public can contact us and let us know how to spend that money,” Duman said.

Duman also pointed out since cameras went up, the number of violations is going down.

“Speed enforcement cameras at every single one, be it a school zone or work zone has decreased 78% to 82%,” Duman said. “It’s not just an anomaly or just in one area. It is across the board.”

Said Anderson: “It’s fine to let them issue these tickets, but they have to follow the rules. They have to give them summons. They have to give court dates. The people have to pay the money to the courts, and not just to this company up in Maryland, and people have to be given due process.”

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