The Georgia House has adopted a bill to eliminate school zone cameras across the state. The senate may now consider the bill.
Bill to Eliminate School Zone Cameras
House Bill 225, by Rep Washburn (R-Macon), would eliminate school zone cameras in Georgia. The state legislature first adopted code section to permit the automated cameras in 2018. They have since become a source of frustration for many Georgians. Though the current state law limits when the cameras may operate from 1 hour before school starts to 1 hour after school ends, many motorists share they have received tickets at other times.
The Georgia House voted 129-37 on Tuesday, March 4, to approve HB 225. The bill now goes to the senate for their consideration.
In the committee meeting, Rep. Washburn expressed his desire to eliminate cameras altogether because they are being used as a revenue generator by local counties and cities. “I do not believe these cameras taking millions of dollars out of Georgian’s pockets are enhancing children’s safety.” Washburn continued there are no children walking to school in many of the school zones across the state where the cameras are operating. He also expressed concerns about the current process and residents’ limited options to dispute the tickets.
Senate Bill 75
A separate bill under consideration, Senate Bill 75, would revise the school zone cameras law instead of repealing them. The bill would limit the hours when the cameras may operate to only during the school zone speed limit ie morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. It would also require
- flashing lights be active when the school zone speed limit is in effect and cameras are operating, and
- a separate sign displaying the motorists’ speed prior to their entry into the school zone.
As of Wednesday, March 5, SB 75 has not yet come up for a vote in the full senate.
Featured image shows an automated school zone camera. Rahul Bali/WABE photo.
