Virginia drivers may experience a few road changes in the near future. The Governor and the Democratic leaders of the General Assembly proposed a transportation bill that covers a broad range of road issues. The proposed bill is meant to reduce car accidents that result from road issues and help make Virginia roads safer. The bill also addresses finances associated with road problems.
Speed Cameras Proposed by New Bill
If passed, the bill will bring speed cameras to Virginia roads for the first time. The speed cameras will snap a photo of the driver’s vehicle if they are driving 10 miles over the speed limit, and the driver will be sent a fine. The fine would not be doubled for tickets that drivers receive in the mail. Police would also be required to post signs that the speed limits are photo enforced.
Additional Factors Addressed by the Transportation Bill
There are still some changes that can be made to the bill in the upcoming weeks. However, the current proposed transportation bill addresses factors including:
- Whether drivers can use a handheld cellphone while behind the wheel.
- Driver fees.
- The ability for the police to pull a driver over for failing to wear a seatbelt.
- The ability for local governments to lower speed limits to less than 25 miles per hour in business or residential districts.
The proposal also addresses previously announced plans including:
- Ending vehicle inspections.
- A vehicle registration fee decrease.
- A gas tax increase of four cents per year for the next three years.
Virginia Road Deaths in 2019
Over 800 people were killed in Virginia road accidents in 2019. The Northam Administration believes that the new safety measures proposed by the transportation bill can cut road deaths by 20 percent.
Financial Changes
The changes proposed by the transportation bill would raise a little over $190 million in the first year and more in the second year. The new money would go to transit and pavement, road projects, and safety work. Passing of the bill will also restore between $30 million and $45 million dollars per year to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.
However, drivers will also be saving money due to the elimination of car safety inspections and lower car registration fees. A cut in car registration fees will save Virginia drivers approximately $163 million.
Bill Met with Mixed Reactions
The proposed bill was met with mixed reactions from Virginia drivers. Some drivers say that it is an easy way to get more money out of Virginians, while others say that the changes would not affect them at all.
Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers Represent All Injured Car Accident Victims
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, contact our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers today. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, we will help you obtain the compensation you deserve and fight tirelessly for your pain and suffering. Contact us online or call us at 757-352-2237 for a free consultation. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia we also serve clients in Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, as well as North Carolina, and nationwide.
