Georgia lawmakers have filed legislation on Monday to ban automated speed detection cameras in school zones due to concerns about their enforcement.  In a time of political division, one things it appears a lot of Democrats and Republicans agree on is that school zone cameras in Georgia have overstepped their bounds.

House Bill 225, with support from more than half of the state House representatives, addresses issues about the hours these cameras operate and the fines they issue. This bill aims to repeal House Bill 978, which authorized the cameras in 2018, and would prevent local governments from continuing contracts with companies that provide these services, potentially ending existing programs in cities like Decatur.

House Speaker Jon Burns has voiced concerns about the cameras being active outside school times, stressing that they should only operate when students are arriving or leaving school. He also emphasizes that any revenue from traffic fines should go towards school safety.  The bill has gotten bipartisan support with over half of the Georgia House members signing on as cosponsors of the legislation.

The bill’s lead sponsor, Republican Representative Dale Washburn, believes a total ban is necessary, arguing that local governments misuse the cameras and impose excessive fines. He suggests using crossing guards instead to promote student safety.