Corruption.
The private companies which hold the contracts for speed cameras used to generate revenue in school zones have contributed heavily to elected officials and their committees in Georgia. An accounting of contributions reveals the two leading companies in Georgia have funneled at least $588,000 in political contributions since the law took effect in 2018.
Read the full article at The Georgia Virtue
Summary of Political Contributions from School Zone Speed Camera Companies in Georgia
Quick Overview
An investigation by The Georgia Virtue reveals that two major companies managing unmanned school zone speed cameras in Georgia have contributed over $588,000 to state lawmakers and officials since the law permitting these cameras took effect in 2018. This financial influence raises concerns about potential corruption and the ethical implications of privatizing traffic enforcement.
Key Points
- Financial Contributions: RedSpeed Georgia LLC and Blue Line Solutions have been significant contributors to Georgia’s political landscape, with a total of $588,000 in donations since 2018.
- Mechanics of Speed Cameras: The speed cameras operate under a civil violation system, capturing license plates of speeding vehicles without the need for law enforcement intervention.
- Legislative Backing: The presence of a powerful lobby, including law enforcement associations, has helped sustain the implementation of these cameras despite growing public dissent.
- Calls for Repeal: Some lawmakers, including State Representative Dale Washburn, are pushing to repeal the law, citing unfair citation practices and revenue generation motives.
- Public Backlash: Criticism surrounds the cameras’ calibration practices and the outsourcing of citation management, leading to accusations of constitutional violations.
Detailed Breakdown
Financial Contributions
Since the introduction of speed cameras in school zones, RedSpeed Georgia LLC and Blue Line Solutions have emerged as the dominant players, contributing substantial amounts to political campaigns. Notable contributions include:
- $180,000 to the Georgia House Republican Trust
- $176,000 to Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and his leadership committee
- Additional contributions to various state representatives and committees, totaling $265,100 in 2024 alone.
Mechanics of Speed Cameras
The speed cameras are designed to capture images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit in designated school zones. Unlike red light cameras, these devices do not capture images of the driver. Instead, they photograph the license plate, and the private companies manage the violation notices and payment collection. The law governing these cameras allows for civil penalties without the involvement of law enforcement, raising questions about accountability and the fairness of the system.
Legislative Backing
The cameras have a robust support base, including the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, which oppose any legislative efforts for repeal. Their backing is fueled by the revenue generated from citations, which often reaches tens of thousands of dollars monthly for municipalities.
Calls for Repeal
Rep. Dale Washburn is advocating for the repeal of the law, claiming it has led to unjust fines and excessive revenue generation at the expense of drivers. He argues that the system prioritizes profit over public safety, stating, “This system was designed to rake in vast sums of money and is wrong.” Washburn’s campaign for repeal reflects a growing discontent among constituents regarding the impact of these cameras.
Public Backlash
Critics, including law enforcement officials like Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer, argue that the cameras violate constitutional rights, particularly the right to face one’s accuser. Brewer asserts, “These atrocities violate your Constitutional right to face your accuser and take away the presumption of innocence.” Concerns also extend to the calibration of the cameras, which reportedly occurs infrequently, leading to questions about their reliability.
Notable Quotes & Data
- “These cameras have unfairly issued thousands of speeding citations across Georgia, resulting in more than half a million dollars in fines being returned to drivers.” - Rep. Dale Washburn
- Total contributions from speed camera companies since 2018 amount to $588,000, with $265,100 contributed in 2024 alone.
Context & Implications
The financial ties between speed camera companies and Georgia lawmakers raise significant ethical concerns about the influence of money in politics and the potential for corruption. As lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session, the debate over the future of these cameras is likely to intensify, reflecting broader issues of accountability, public safety, and constitutional rights in the realm of traffic enforcement. The outcome could set a precedent for how private companies engage with public policy and the regulation of traffic enforcement practices across the state.