70 mph in school zones: Richmond's worst speeding spots
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Richmond's fastest school zone drivers reached at least 70 mph on some of the city's busiest roads, per police data obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: These rare cases of extreme speeding highlight a persistent challenge: curbing the small share of drivers responsible for the most dangerous behavior, Richmond transportation director Andy Boenau tells Axios.
The big picture: The city has 26 cameras across 13 school zones that are live for two hours before and after school, ticketing drivers going 11 mph or more over the limit.
By the numbers: Three of the five fastest speeds captured on them last year were recorded on Midlothian Turnpike near Richmond High School for the Arts (69 mph, 70 mph and 76 mph).
- The other two were on Hull Street near River City Middle (74 mph), and Chamberlayne near Frances McClenney Elementary (71 mph).
Reality check: Most drivers aren't going that fast, according to a state police report released earlier this year.
- Around the same three schools, the average speed was 39 mph.
- Aside from Midlo Turnpike, which the city recently reduced to 30 mph, these roads have a 35 mph posted limit, per the city's speed data dashboard.
Yes, but: Those three locations accounted for nearly 60% of Richmond's school zone camera citations in 2025, per an Axios review of the report.
Zoom out: Many of these high-injury corridors, which are lined with schools, neighborhoods and businesses, were once county highways annexed by the city but never redesigned, Boenau says.
- "Even a law-abiding driver, before they know it, they're going 45 miles an hour because it feels comfortable," he adds.
- Traffic calming measures — like lane reductions, adding speed tables and reducing speed limits — are helping, Boenau says, along with ramped-up enforcement.
Friction point: Some local leaders and residents think more is needed at the state level, which determines where speed cameras are allowed and the maximum fines ($100).
- Former School Board member Mariah White told WRIC earlier this year that she wishes there were stronger penalties for speeding, like higher fines.
- Another Richmond resident, Pippa Holloway, said she wants the General Assembly to extend camera use to bridges, per WRIC.
- Some have called for harsher consequences for drivers responsible for fatal crashes.
What we're watching: A new Virginia law expands where speed cameras can be used, including broader high-risk corridors, starting July 1.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Mariah White is no longer a Richmond school board member.