State Rep. Dale Washburn pushes to ban school zone speed cameras
"This bill passed in 2018, before I was in the office, and it allows these camera problems to grow repeatedly," Washburn said.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – State Representative Dale Washburn is calling for an end to school zone speed cameras in Georgia, arguing they are being used as a revenue-generating scheme.
“These camera companies know if they can show a local government how they can rake a lot of money in, then they of course are making money in the process,” he said. “I believe our system is being abused, and I think something needs to be done about it.”
Washburn says the problem has progressed over time.
“This bill passed in 2018, before I was in the office, and it allows these camera problems to grow repeatedly,” he said.
Washburn says he received a ticket as well.
“This is deceit and trickery,” he said. “And good people who would never speed through a school zone are being entrapped, tricked, and the government is raking in a lot of money off this.”
Over the years, local municipalities, including Macon-Bibb County, have made announcements about school zone speed cameras going live, explaining how they operate and mentioning warning periods before full ticketing begins.
August 1, 2022 – Perry school zone cameras now operational
June 2, 2023 – Speed cameras to go live near Warner Robins schools
June 5, 2023 – New school zone cameras active in Warner Robins
December 8, 2023 – Speed limit cameras added at six more Bibb County schools
January 16, 2024 – Speed cameras to go live outside Stratford Academy on February 5
July 31, 2024 – Warner Robins Police Department reminds residents to slow down near schools
September 4, 2024 – Speed enforcement changes begin next week in four Bibb County school zones
How do they work?
Speed cameras enforce the limit on school days when classes are in session, operating from one hour before school starts until one hour after dismissal. While flashing lights indicate the reduced school zone speed limit at the beginning and end of the school day, the cameras enforce speed limits throughout their operating hours—whether the lights are flashing or not. Outside this enforcement window, the cameras should not issue citations.
Citations are issued only if a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour. If you drive 11 mph or more over the school zone speed limit while the lights are flashing, you’ll receive a citation. If you exceed the regular posted speed limit by 11 mph or more at any other time within the enforcement window, you’ll also be cited.
The first citation will be $100, and each subsequent citation will be $150. Macon-Bibb County said previously that money collected from these fines will only be used to fund local law enforcement or public safety initiatives.
These citations will not show up on a person’s driving record, nor be used for “points” with their insurance. Macon-Bibb County said previously that citations are reviewed by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office to ensure their compliance with Macon-Bibb’s Code.
‘I’m kind of torn about it’
Macon-Bibb Commissioner Stanley Stewart says he understands the frustration, but it’s all about keeping kids safe.
“I’m kind of torn about it,” he said. “At the end of the day, we want to make sure the children are safe. I have participated in walk-ins, school bus programs, so the final analysis is making sure the children are safe.”
The proposed House Bill 225 would repeal this legislation and prohibit the use of these cameras in school zones.
