Photo speed monitoring devices; private vendors compensated for calibration, civil penalty.
If passed, HB2716 could lead to a significant change in how traffic violations are enforced in Virginia. The bill sets a civil penalty of up to $100 for drivers caught speeding by at least 10 miles per hour over the limit in these monitored zones. This could increase compliance with traffic laws in sensitive areas, ultimately minimizing accidents involving pedestrians, particularly children around schools. Moreover, a portion of the collected penalties is directed toward the Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program, which reinforces the state's commitment to reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
House Bill 2716 introduces a comprehensive framework for the use of photo speed monitoring devices in Virginia. This bill amends the Code of Virginia to allow both state and local law enforcement agencies to place photo speed monitoring devices in designated school crossing zones, highway work zones, and high-risk intersection segments. The bill defines 'high-risk intersection segments' as areas close to schools where traffic fatalities have occurred since 2014, thereby prioritizing the deployment of monitoring devices in locations with a documented history of danger to pedestrians and motorists alike. The overall aim of this legislation is to enhance public safety by effectively monitoring and penalizing speeding in critical areas.
One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB2716 is the involvement of private vendors in the provision and operation of these speed monitoring devices. While the bill allows private vendors to enter agreements with law enforcement agencies, the stipulation that only law enforcement officers can certify violation evidence may generate concerns regarding the reliability and impartiality of using private technology in public safety measures. Critics might argue that such arrangements could lead to questions about profit motives overshadowing public safety objectives, given that vendors could potentially receive compensation based on the volume of violations processed.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of oversight concerning the calibration of speed monitoring devices and the management of personal data collected through these devices. Vendors must provide proof of device calibration upon request, and penalties for non-compliance are set, which ensures accountability within the system. Furthermore, the legislation underscores the necessity for clear communication to drivers regarding their rights and processes related to any alleged violations captured by the monitoring devices.