PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Signs warning you of the cameras up ahead won't be hard to miss in Portsmouth.
“You can see them as you go up the road. It’s sitting right there," said Portsmouth resident Michael Holloman. "It’s got a marquee.”
It’s a reminder to drivers — slow down or pay up.
“I see so many [people] that speed through,” said Portsmouth resident Hedy Stevenson.
For several weeks, these cameras have warned violators of potential fines. But starting Monday, you’ll get a $100 fine for speeding. Some residents are ready for the cameras to take effect.
“I think it’s one of the best ideas that we could have made," said Stevenson. "It will keep us all cognizant of school zones.”
Police said the cameras will ticket drivers traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit in school zones.
“Once you start to hit the pocketbook, you start to hit the wallet, then we become a little bit more aware,” Stevenson said.
Holloman wishes they had these cameras years ago. Though, he doesn’t think it will prevent drivers from speeding.
“It’s a good thing," Holloman said. "It will slow it down a whole lot but I don’t think it’s going to stop it.”
However, Stevenson is hoping to see a change. She shares one piece of advice for drivers on the road.
“Please be cognizant of the young people, be cognizant of the seniors," she said. "Be cognizant of those who come out every day to teach our children.”
The Portsmouth Police Department said the cameras are located at several schools:
- I.C. Norcom High School
- Douglass Park Elementary School
- Lakeview Elementary School
- Churchland Middle School
- Brighton Elementary School
- S.H. Clarke Academy
- Simonsdale Elementary School