Decatur, Georgia — At Beacon Hill Middle School in Decatur, Georgia, cameras watch for speeding cars in the school zone. Supporters believe these cameras help slow down drivers and make the area safer, especially when police can’t always be there. However, some lawmakers want to ban these cameras, claiming they mainly exist to collect money for local governments and camera companies.
More than 20 states, plus Washington D.C., use automated traffic cameras for speeding tickets, but over ten states have banned them. New Jersey tried using them for red-light violations but stopped in 2014. In Georgia, the debate about traffic cameras is heating up with three bills moving forward in the state legislature. The use of speed cameras in school zones was allowed in Georgia starting in 2018.
Opponents Say Cameras Only Care About Money
Over 100 representatives in Georgia’s House of 180 have backed House Bill 225 to ban speed cameras. Dale Washburn, a Republican from Macon, shared emails from drivers who felt unfairly ticketed. Some claimed they didn’t know they were in a school zone or that the warning lights weren’t flashing. Although tickets are considered civil fines and don’t show up on criminal records, drivers can’t renew their vehicle registration if they don’t pay. In 2024, about 125,000 people had unpaid violations, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue. Since 2019, speed cameras have made more than $112 million for cities and counties in Georgia, with a portion going to camera companies. Washburn criticized these companies, saying, “Their goal is to write tickets, not to enhance children’s safety.”
Political Influence and Potential Reforms
Some lawmakers are considering stricter rules for camera use instead of banning them. They want better warning signs and to limit when the cameras operate. Republican Senator Max Burns of Sylvania sponsors Senate Bill 75, suggesting it would help remind drivers they are in a school zone. An alternate House bill suggests using half of the money from tickets for school safety.
In Decatur, many students walk or ride bikes home. Mayor Patti Garrett stressed the importance of protecting young residents after incidents where students were hit by cars. Police Chief Scott Richards said speeding has dropped by 92% in areas where cameras are used, but many drivers still speed. The city issued 4,500 tickets in January alone. With better warning signs and limited camera hours, Decatur claims its approach is effective. Nonetheless, some residents worry about the profit aspect of ticketing. John Moore from Milledgeville wrote to Washburn, saying, “Profit-based law enforcement cannot be trusted.
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