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Georgia Bill Seeks to Ban School Zone Traffic Cameras, Gains Widespread Support

Georgia lawmakers are pushing to ban school zone traffic cameras, with House Bill 225 gaining strong backing from state representatives. The proposed legislation raises concerns over the cameras’ operating hours and fines, potentially reversing a law enacted in 2018.

Lawmakers Take Aim at School Zone Cameras

More than half of Georgia’s House representatives have signed onto House Bill 225, which seeks to eliminate automated school zone speed cameras. The measure, introduced on Monday, would repeal House Bill 978, a law passed in 2018 that permitted the use of speed detection devices in school zones.

Rep. Dale Washburn, R-Macon, is leading the effort, arguing that the cameras may not be functioning as originally intended. Supporters of the bill cite issues such as extended operating hours and excessive fines as primary reasons for the ban.

“This isn’t about letting speeders off the hook. It’s about fairness and making sure these cameras operate within reasonable limits,” one lawmaker said.

Georgia State Capitol building

How the Ban Would Affect Local Communities

The bill proposes stopping local governments from signing or continuing contracts with companies that manage speed enforcement programs. That means areas like Decatur, which recently introduced automated speed detection devices, may see their programs shut down earlier than expected.

For municipalities that have come to rely on automated enforcement, this could mean revisiting their approach to school zone safety. Some local leaders argue that removing the cameras without a suitable replacement could lead to an uptick in speeding violations.

“We understand the concerns about camera enforcement, but safety is our top priority. If this bill passes, we’ll need to explore alternative measures,” a city official from Decatur noted.

Speaker’s Concerns About Operating Hours

House Speaker Jon Burns has also raised concerns over how these cameras operate. During a January press conference, he noted that while lawmakers intended for the cameras to function only during school arrival and dismissal times, many are active throughout the day—and in some cases, even after school hours.

Key issues being debated include:

  • The fairness of issuing fines outside of active school hours
  • Transparency in how camera enforcement policies are set
  • Whether cameras serve as a deterrent or merely a source of revenue

Burns’ comments highlight a broader discussion about automated enforcement and whether it aligns with the original legislative intent.

What’s Next for House Bill 225?

As momentum builds, the bill will go through the legislative process, facing committee discussions and potential amendments before a final vote. Lawmakers and local officials are expected to continue debating whether a complete ban is the right solution or if more regulations should be considered instead.

For now, the fate of school zone traffic cameras in Georgia hangs in the balance, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

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