RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Richmond’s grace period for drivers caught on video running a red-light at Elkhart and Hull streets ends Sunday. That means drivers who blow through the intersection will begin being ticketed Monday.
The Richmond Police Department installed the cameras late last year, but waited to turn them on. When they were finally activated in December, they were only on a trial basis.
It was just supposed to be for 30-days, but Lt. William Kelly said the trial lasted a bit longer while the department worked out the kinks.
What officers found was interesting. In December 420 cars ran the red light at Hull and Elkhardt. Then in January it dropped to 397 cars. But last month saw the biggest decrease at just 238 cars.
While they would like to think the red-light cameras themselves encouraged drivers to stop, Kelly said there could be other reasons.
“We had some weather in there during the time and we also made some changes to the system,” Kelly said. “I think the two together combined a change in the data… but until we get to really looking at the data, we won't know what the major factors were."
If you are caught on camera going through the light, you will receive a $50 fine.
Kelly said the violation does not count against your driving record, but the car owner is charged the $50.
Click here to visit the RPD's website to find out how to challenge a citation.
