But they also make a lot of taxpayers furious, and state lawmakers have been hearing complaints for years.
Read the full article at Fox5Atlanta
SUMMARY: Georgia School Zone Speed Cameras Debate
Quick Overview:
A contentious debate is brewing in Georgia over automated school zone speed cameras as State Rep. Dale Washburn announces plans to introduce legislation to eliminate them. The controversy centers on whether these cameras effectively promote safety or primarily serve as revenue generators for local governments and private companies.
Key Points:
- Current fines range from $75-$80 for first violations and $125-$130 for subsequent citations
- Atlanta alone has collected over $3.7 million since August 2023
- Private companies like Verra Mobility receive $25 per paid citation
- The system was legalized in 2018 during a late-night legislative session
Detailed Breakdown:
Revenue Structure:
- Private companies typically receive about one-third of each paid violation
- Revenue is split between cities, school districts, and camera operators
- Vehicle registration renewal is blocked until citations are paid
- Multiple companies (Verra Mobility, RedSpeed, Blue Line Solutions) operate these systems
Arguments Against (Rep. Washburn’s Position):
- Delayed notification undermines immediate behavior modification
- System designed for “entrapment” and revenue generation
- Multiple citations can accumulate before drivers receive first notice
- Police presence would be more effective at slowing traffic
Arguments For (Safety Advocates):
- Cameras lead to lower speeds and fewer incidents
- Even delayed notifications serve as eventual deterrents
- Focus should be on student safety over revenue concerns
- System helps enforce speed limits in school zones
Notable Issues:
- Investigation revealed numerous system problems including:
- Flashing lights operating off-schedule
- Mis-programmed camera timers
- Cameras placed beyond legal distance limits
- Thousands of erroneous tickets issued
Context & Implications:
The debate reflects a larger national conversation about automated enforcement systems and their dual role in safety and revenue generation. The upcoming legislative session will likely see intense lobbying from both safety advocates and camera companies, with significant financial implications for local governments, schools, and private contractors.
Notable Quote:
- “This is designed to entrap,” Washburn said. “It is designed to rake in vast sums of money and is wrong. And it’s time for us to do something to protect the citizens of Georgia from this.”
The controversy highlights the complex balance between public safety measures and concerns about government overreach and profit motivation in traffic enforcement. As the Georgia Legislature prepares to address this issue, the outcome could set precedents for other states grappling with similar automated enforcement systems.