Virginia General Assembly passes speed camera bill

ARLINGTON, Va. (ABC7) — Speed cameras could be coming to Virginia. The target, drivers going a little too fast in certain, dangerous situations.

Still, some Virginians are skeptical.

"It's for taxes," said Naomi Pizarro. "They're trying to get all of their bills paid."

"It's a cheap way for (them) to get money from us," said Cheryl Delgra. "Yeah it's a scam."

The legislation now has the backing of both chambers of the state General Assembly and is headed to the Governor's desk. It is limited, however. State police would use handheld speed cameras and only in and around highway work zones.

Those caught going 12 miles per hour over the speed limit would get a $125 ticket in the mail.

"They must be needed," said Virginia driver Dave Orsolini. "I drive around here a lot. I see the people speeding."

So does Virginia Department of Transportation Inspector Doug Osterman. He's one of the workers the legislation intends to protect.

"So many close calls," said Osterman. "There's been an accident out here. Usually, on a weekly basis there's two or three out here."

Drivers would get fair warning including warning signs posted within 1,000 feet of the work zone, and flashing squad car lights.

However, some drivers are saying not so fast.

"I think it's great they're looking at ways to reduce speeding, but the speed traps I don't think that's going to work," said Pizarro.

"You can't replace a life," countered Osterman. "You can replace a car. There's been too many people killed on the highway working and you want to see everybody go home to their family at the end of the day."