Sandy Springs has launched a new traffic safety program with automated speed cameras in school zones to address speeding. These cameras have been installed near North Springs High School on Roswell Road and Riverwood International Charter School near Heards Ferry Road and Raider Drive. The city is partnering with RedSpeed to enhance safety for students and pedestrians.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the cameras will issue citations to drivers who exceed the speed limit by 11 miles per hour or more during school hours. Sandy Springs Sgt. Leon Millholland explained in a Facebook video that offenders will initially receive a warning, with a $125 fine starting on March 27. The penalties are civil and will not result in points on a driver’s license.
While the cameras are intended to deter speeding, some Georgia lawmakers have raised concerns about the fines potentially becoming a revenue source for local governments. State Rep. Dale Washburn (R-Macon) criticized the initiative, stating, "This is about revenue by citation. It is taxation by citation, and it is wrong," as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. He has introduced a bill to abolish school zone cameras in Georgia for the second year in a row.
Sgt. Millholland emphasized, "The safety of our students is a top priority and we want to make sure we're taking the steps to keep our school zones safe," in a Marietta Daily Journal interview. The cameras were installed following a traffic study that revealed many drivers speeding through school zones.
Residents are encouraged to follow speed limits and observe signage. "Please, put your phones down, pay attention and stick to the speed limit," urged Sgt. Millholland in a statement obtained by Marietta Daily Journal.
