Illegally citing outside school hours.
What a dirty industry!
However the program stirred complaints from local residents who received speeding tickets for infractions that occurred during the school day but outside of posted school zone hours.
Many “violations” are more confusion and downright fraud by districts.
- Citing when light off (Atlanta)
- Illegal placed zone (Atlanta).
- School holiday
- Planning days.
- Summer time.
- Many with no yellow lights.
- Many with Bob times when hit (“restricted hours”, Ohio)
One a scam always a scam,
Georgia wants to repeal them due to massive abuses!
Read the full article at Yahoo!
Summary of Manatee County’s School Zone Speed Limit Camera Policy Change
In response to significant public outcry regarding the enforcement of speed limit cameras in school zones, Manatee County commissioners have voted to restrict the operational hours of these cameras. This decision aims to address concerns from residents who received tickets during times when school zone signals were not active, highlighting the balance between public safety and fair enforcement practices.
Key Points
Restriction of Camera Hours: The county’s speed limit cameras will now only enforce violations during the active hours of school zone signals, rather than throughout the entire school day. This change responds directly to complaints from motorists who felt unfairly ticketed.
Initial Implementation and Public Reaction: Launched in August, the traffic camera program was designed to enhance safety for schoolchildren and families. However, it quickly faced backlash from residents who received tickets for speeding infractions that occurred outside of the designated school zone hours.
Commissioner Statements: District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating, “It’s narrowly tailored to the actual problem, which is keeping kids safe as they are coming into school and going out of school.” This underscores the commissioners’ intent to maintain safety while addressing community concerns.
Discussion of Refunds for Unfair Tickets: At-large Commissioner Jason Bearden proposed the idea of refunding fines to residents who were unfairly ticketed under the previous system. However, the feasibility of this proposal was questioned, as the distribution of collected fines is complex, involving multiple agencies and the camera contractor.
Impact on Lower-Income Residents: District 3 Commissioner Talha Siddique pointed out that the ticketing system disproportionately affects working-class families, stating, “For many, $100 is a lot,” and raised concerns about the transparency of the program and the potential for profit-driven motives behind the enforcement.
Notable Quotes & Data
- Amanda Ballard: “You kind of have to have a little bit of a balance between allowing a little bit of privacy for people when there is a very low chance that kids are going to be going in and out of school.”
- Jason Bearden: “I feel as if we’ve made a lot of mistakes in this process.”
- Talha Siddique: “This is disproportionately affecting a lot of working-class families.”
Context & Implications
The decision to limit the hours of enforcement for speed limit cameras reflects a growing concern among residents about the fairness and transparency of automated ticketing systems. While the initial goal of the program was to enhance safety for schoolchildren, the unintended consequences of ticketing during inactive hours prompted a reevaluation of the policy. The commissioners’ discussions about potential refunds indicate a recognition of the need for accountability and fairness in the enforcement process.
The implications of this decision extend beyond just the immediate concerns of ticketing. It raises important questions about how municipalities implement safety measures and the potential financial burdens placed on residents, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. As the program evolves, it will be crucial for Manatee County to ensure that enforcement practices are not only effective in promoting safety but also equitable and just for all residents.