Macon-Bibb Mayor proposes limited use of school zone speed cameras amid legislative debate

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller announced Monday that he intends to "proceed with limited [school speed zone] camera operation during arrival and dismissal times only, unless the legislature dictates otherwise."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller announced Monday that he intends to “proceed with limited [school speed zone] camera operation during arrival and dismissal times only, unless the legislature dictates otherwise.” Miller’s decision comes as two bills regarding the cameras remain under consideration in the Georgia General Assembly.

Miller addressed the ongoing debate in a Facebook post, writing, “There has been considerable discussion regarding school speed zone cameras over the past year. Although numerous comments have been unfounded, I will provide a brief factual overview.”

According to Miller, Georgia law has permitted the use of these cameras since 2018, allowing cities to opt in. Macon-Bibb County, along with other jurisdictions, chose to participate. He says the the cameras are authorized by state law, have been deemed constitutional and have only been used within legally designated timeframes in front of authorized schools.

“We have a contractual agreement with the licensed camera provider in Georgia and await the State’s decision before changes can be made,” Miller wrote. “Nevertheless, I intend to proceed with limited camera operation during arrival and dismissal times only, unless the legislature dictates otherwise”

The controversy surrounding school zone cameras gained traction earlier this year when State Representative Dale Washburn introduced House Bill 225, seeking to ban them statewide. Washburn, who represents District 144, has been vocal in his opposition to the cameras, arguing that they serve as a revenue-generating mechanism rather than a safety measure.

“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,” Washburn said in a February interview with 41NBC. “I believe our system is being abused, and I think something needs to be done about it.”

Washburn’s bill passed the Georgia House with 100 cosigners and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate.

A second bill, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell of Hartwell and also approved by the House, seeks to limit the hours the cameras are in operation and also to mandate that half of funds received go toward school safety.

In the meantime, Miller is taking steps to give Macon-Bibb residents a say in the matter.

“I have requested our county attorneys to review the process for drafting and approving a local bill which would be sent to the state, enabling the county to hold a public referendum on this matter,” Miller wrote in his post on Monday. “At that time, the community could choose whether to have the cameras operate at limited times or disband them altogether.”

Washburn said in an interview with 41NBC last week that he wants the cameras gone altogether.

“I have become convinced that it is abusive,” he said. “Those cameras need to be banned, not altered, not drive to change them, but they need to be banned.”

Macon-Bibb County and other Middle Georgia jurisdictions have used school zone cameras for several years, citing student safety as the primary reason. The cameras have operated on school days from one hour before school begins 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 have also enforced “regular” speed limits throughout their operating hours while school is in session—whether the lights are flashing or not. Citations are issued to drivers traveling at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit.

Supporters of the cameras argue that they protect students and reduce speeding in school zones.

Macon-Bibb Commissioner Stanley Stewart previously expressed mixed feelings about the issue.

“I’m kind of torn about it,” Stewart said in February. “At the end of the day, we want to make sure the children are safe.”