The Great Debate Over Speed Cameras in Georgia School Zones

The use of speed cameras in school zones has sparked a heated debate in Georgia, with supporters and opponents presenting strong arguments on both sides. This issue has gained significant attention as the Georgia General Assembly considers three separate bills related to the use of these cameras. The debate centers around whether these cameras are a valuable tool for enhancing safety in school zones or a revenue-generating scheme that prioritizes profit over public good.

Opponents Argue Cameras Are About Money, Not Safety

A significant number of Georgia lawmakers and residents are calling for a ban on speed cameras in school zones, arguing that their primary purpose is to generate revenue rather than ensure student safety. Over 100 representatives in Georgia’s House of Representatives have signed on to House Bill 225, which seeks to prohibit the use of these cameras statewide. Dale Washburn, a Republican from Macon and the sponsor of the bill, has shared numerous complaints from drivers who claim they were unfairly ticketed. Many of these complaints allege that the cameras were not clearly marked, the school zone signs were unclear, or the lights were not flashing, leading to confusion and frustration among drivers.

Washburn and other opponents argue that the cameras are part of a system driven by greed, with camera companies benefiting from the revenue generated by fines. Since 2019, speed cameras in Georgia have generated more than $112 million in revenue for local governments and camera companies. Ticket recipients who fail to pay their fines face penalties, such as being blocked from renewing their vehicle registration. Despite the civil nature of these citations, Washburn maintains that the focus is on profit rather than safety. “These camera companies are engaged in deceit and trickery,” he said. “Their goal is to write tickets, not to enhance children’s safety.”

A Legislative Battle: Abolish or Reform?

The fight over speed cameras in Georgia is playing out in the state legislature, where three bills are currently under consideration. While House Bill 225 aims to ban the cameras outright, other proposals seek to regulate their use rather than eliminate them entirely. For example, Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Republican Sen. Max Burns of Sylvania, would keep the cameras in place but with stricter guidelines. The bill proposes requiring clearer warning signs for school zones and limiting the operational hours of the cameras to times when students are actually present.

Similarly, a House bill similar to Burns’ proposal would require half of the revenue generated by the cameras to be dedicated to school safety initiatives. These measures reflect a compromise approach, aiming to address concerns about fairness and transparency while preserving the potential safety benefits of the cameras.

Supporters Highlight Safety Benefits and Successful Implementation

Not everyone in Georgia is opposed to speed cameras. In cities like Decatur, officials point to the cameras as a proven way to protect students and reduce speeding in school zones. Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett emphasized the importance of the cameras, citing incidents where students and crossing guards were struck by vehicles before the cameras were installed. “We really want to protect our most vulnerable residents, our students, and particularly when they are on foot or on a bicycle,” she said.

Decatur, a suburb of Atlanta, is unique in that most of its students walk or bike to school, making the need for traffic enforcement in school zones particularly critical. Since activating its cameras last fall, the city reports a 92% reduction in speeding violations, according to a study conducted by the camera company. While some drivers still speed through school zones, authorities argue that the cameras have made a significant impact. “We would not be able to get those reductions if it were not for the photo enforcement in school zones,” said Police Chief Scott Richards.

Concerns About Profit Over People Persist

Despite the positive results reported in cities like Decatur, critics continue to question the motivations behind the use of speed cameras. Opponents argue that the financial incentives for local governments and camera companies create a conflict of interest, leading to overaggressive enforcement and questionable practices. For instance, some camera vendors have become significant political donors in Georgia, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to campaigns in recent years. This has raised concerns that the influence of these companies could impact policy decisions.

John Moore of Milledgeville, who wrote to Washburn in support of the ban, summed up the concerns of many when he said, “Profit-based law enforcement cannot be trusted.” Moore and others fear that the focus on revenue undermines efforts to genuinely improve safety and build trust between law enforcement and the community.

The Broader Implications of the Debate

The debate over speed cameras in Georgia reflects a broader national conversation about the role of technology in law enforcement and the balance between safety and revenue generation. While more than 20 states and the District of Columbia allow automated traffic cameras to issue speeding tickets, others have banned their use, citing concerns about fairness and transparency. Georgia’s decision could set an important precedent, especially since it would be unusual for a state to reverse its stance on the issue.

As lawmakers weigh the arguments for and against the cameras, residents like those in Decatur continue to see the real-world impact of these devices. Whether Georgia decides to abolish the cameras, tighten regulations, or maintain the status quo, the outcome will have significant implications for school zone safety, local budgets, and the relationship between government and citizens. The challenge for policymakers is to find a solution that prioritizes the safety of students while addressing concerns about fairness and accountability.