Police to implement new traffic safety program to reduce excessive speeding through school zones
Photo courtesy Tonya Elrod/TF Police Chief. Motorists traveling on Georgia 15 in the area of Tallulah Falls will now see these signs as part of the Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Device program recently implemented. The warning period is currently in effect and enforcement is set to begin Sept. 7.
TALLULAH FALLS-The Tallulah Falls Police Department will begin an Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Device program at schools throughout the city to increase safety for students, parents, teachers, and anyone else traveling through the school zones, according to a statement from Tallulah Falls Chief of Police Tonya Elrod on Aug. 8.
“The main goal is safety for everyone involved,” Elrod said.
Aug. 8 started the initial 30-day warning period. During this 30-day warning period, violators will receive a warning in the mail that carries no fine. After the warning period has expired, violators will receive a citation in the mail. This violation is a civil violation and is not considered a traffic violation.
The violators will not receive points on your driver’s license, and it will not be reported to your insurance. The automated speed zone will be enforced on school days starting one hour before school starts until one hour after the end of the school day. Even when lights are not flashing, the regularly posted speed limit will be photo enforced when school is in session and children are present.
The warning period will run for 30 days and enforcement will begin on Sept. 7.
“We’re committed to safeguarding our kids with this innovative initiative. Please drive safely in our school zones and in our community,” according to the statement.
As a part of this program, speed studies were conducted across the city during school hours for a five-day period to see how many vehicles were speeding through the school zones. During the most recent study, over a five-day period, we had an excessive number of speeding vehicles. Speeding vehicles are defined as any vehicle speeding in excess of 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
The Photo Speed Enforcement System combines a public information campaign along with a 30-day warning period to encourage people to slow down and change their driving habits. In school zones, there are posted speed limits. Schools will have flashing lights to warning of the upcoming school zone. Cameras will be used to identify any vehicles traveling over the approved speed limit. Anyone in the designated school zone driving 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit will receive a citation in the mail. This means that if the flashing light speed limit is 45 mph, you will be given a ticket at 56 mph. Once the lights turn off, the speed limit will remain 45 mph, and you would be ticketed at 56 mph. Speed limits are posted within the school zone.