Perry school-zone cameras return with new citation rules

Citations are limited to school days during instructional hours and one hour before and after classes for drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the limit.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Perry’s school-zone speed cameras are turning back on as students return to class, with a new state law limiting when the cameras can issue citations.

Perry Police Chief Alan Everidge says his department will be watching speeds closely to keep everyone safe.

Under HB 651, which took effect July 1, the cameras may issue citations on school days during instructional hours and for one hour before and after classes. Tickets may be issued only to drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit. Civil penalties are $75 for a first violation and $125 for a second or subsequent violation, plus an electronic processing fee of up to $10. Chief Everidge says some cameras were removed because of the new law.

“Perry Parkway near Perry Middle School,” he said. “Under the new law, if it’s on a four-lane highway and there isn’t a road crossing or school crossing there, then the photo enforcement isn’t allowed there. So that is coming away, but all other school zones remain.”

Chief Everidge adds that since the cameras went into effect, the number of speeders has decreased by 95%.

“But we looked at the number of violators who were receiving citations in September of 2022, and some of those zones were 200 to 250 in a month,” he said. “And the average speed was 14 to 18 over the limit, with some as much as 30 over the limit. Now we’re averaging less than nine or ten in each school zone.”

He urges drivers to be aware, saying if the lights are on, slow down.

“Our practice and policy are when the lights are on, the photo enforcement is on,” he said.

Students in the Houston County School District go back to school Tuesday, August 4.