City of Albany updating school zone flashers paid for with fines collected by speed cameras

ALBANY — School zone speed cameras have been a subject of criticism and controversy since they were activated for the 2020-2021 school year, but one point of agreement for most people would be approval that proceeds from tickets pay for police and safety equipment instead of coming out of taxpayers’ pockets.

Among the items being purchased this year are new flashing lights to alert drivers as they approach school zones and Tasers for officers.

The speed devices, which register a car’s speed and capture the tag on camera, have brought in more than $1.6 million since their inception last year.

The Albany City Commission earlier this year approved the purchase of 51 flashers in 43 school zones across the city.

On Thursday, new flashers were being placed on Moultrie Road near Morningside Elementary School.

City Commissioner Jon Howard, in whose Ward I the school is located, said the flashing lights will help provide a safer environment for children.

Several commissioners have previously said that complaints about tickets in school zones make up the largest volume of calls they receive.

“That’s the best thing since cotton candy came to Georgia,” Howard said. “The key to it, the flashers will be on and they will know they’re in a school zone. With the flashers, a driver won’t be able to say they didn’t know it was a school zone.”

The goal for the speed cameras is to slow down drivers, not to bring in large sums of money, he said.

Many drivers cut through a residential street, cross Oakridge Drive and turn onto Moultrie Road, the commissioner said.

“This certainly will enhance that area,” he said. “When the flashing lights are on, slow down. Hopefully the motorists will slow down.”

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]
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