Speeding has always been a problem for drivers. Some go a little over the speed limit, but many will even go double the speed they are allowed. Naturally, cities and states across the country are finding ways to combat this dangerous activity and maintain safety. Traffic cams are among the most common ways, and now the mayor of Hamilton, Virginia, wants an exception to the state’s rule surrounding adding the cameras. 

Traffic cams could help this small town in Virginia

Hamilton, Virginia, in Loudoun County, is a pretty small town. There are only 674 residents, and the town covers about 0.2 square miles. However, like many places, it has a massive problem with speeding. Now, according to WTOP News, Mayor Ken Wine has a plan to make the roads in Hamilton safer. His plan involves installing traffic cams. The problem is that the town doesn’t satisfy Virginia’s requirements for them. 

Under Virginia law, officials can only place traffic cams in school and highway work zones. However, the town lacks both, so Mayor Ken is seeking an exception for the good of the people of Hamilton. According to the mayor, “You have seen the fast, reckless drivers just as I have and know that slowing down the flow of traffic is essential to keep our children, pets, and property safe.”

Mayor Ken continued regarding the need for traffic cams, “(The bill) would change the law and allow small towns like Hamilton to protect their residents from reckless drivers on through streets, like Colonial Highway.”

This year, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has issued five citations and seven warnings, dealt with a crash, and received several complaints about going above the speed limit. A representative from the department said, “Hamilton has legitimate traffic concerns, but they are not alone. The issues there are part of broader, longstanding challenges for Loudoun County.” In total, the county has more than 440,000 residents. 

Currently, some small towns in Virginia have taken advantage of a recent law change. They can “Reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour, but not less than 15 miles per hour, on any highway within its boundaries that is located in a business district or residence district, provided that such reduced speed limit is indicated by lawfully placed signs.”

Still, speeding continues to be a problem in small towns, and the requirements for traffic cams aren’t helping.