After warning-only period, now tickets issued to motorists by electronic device will include fines as overall safety remains concern
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Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune. Traffic travels in both directions on Highway 441 through the Tallulah Falls school zone Tuesday morning. Electronic devices in operation during school hours has increased speeding tickets into the thousands.
******THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR CLARIFICATION PURPOSES*******
TALLULAH FALLS– The 30-day warning period for the School Safety Program at Tallulah Falls middle and high schools has ended as citations began being issued to motorists Sept. 7. Starting Aug. 8 through Sept. 6, the cameras captured “thousands” of tags driving 56 mph and above and the total amount of traffic during that time was “well over 100,000” vehicles,” according to Tallulah Falls Police Chief Tonya Elrod Tuesday.
Elrod clarified Tuesday the cited vehicles and overall totals remain estimations for the initial warning period until the official tallies are provided to the police department.
Elrod said the purpose for the Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Device program at the schools in town is to increase safety for students, parents, teachers and anyone else traveling through the school zones.
“I can see a drastic decrease in speeds since this started,” Elrod said Tuesday about how enforcement is helping.
“The main goal is safety for everyone involved,” said Elrod in an earlier statement. “This program is strictly about ensuring the improvement of safety in our school zones. Remember that our children are our greatest asset and our most precious treasure. It is our responsibility to ensure their safety. We also want to ensure the safety of everyone passing through.”
The cameras will operate in the “School Zone” throughout the entire school day. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 6:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. The camera will not issue citations anytime after 4:15 p.m., before 6:45 a.m. or on weekends, holidays, teacher work days, or any other time school is canceled or not in session.
Cameras will be used to identify any vehicles traveling over the approved speed limit.
Any motorist traveling in the designated school zone driving 11 mph or over the posted speed limit will receive a citation in the mail.
This means the speed limit is 45 mph and motorists will be given a ticket at 56 mph during the designated days and times.
Speed limits are posted within the school zone. There also are signs in the area depicting “photo enforced” to notify motorists.
In the event of extracurricular activities, the lights will be flashing but cameras will only issue citations during the designated time period. These flashing lights give an extra courtesy that school is in session and motorists should slow down. However, Elrod noted officers will still be patrolling the area and can issue citations when warranted.
“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 and schools will have flashing lights to warn of the upcoming school zone,” according to a statement from Elrod.
Elrod said that if for some reason the lights are not flashing during the designated hours, it might mean they need to be repaired or replaced. However, the camera will still issue citations if motorists are speeding through the designated area during the specified times.
Elrod clarified the speed limit is set by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
“We here at Tallulah Falls don’t set the speed limit, we just enforce it to the best of our ability,” Elrod said.
Those with additional questions can contact 855-252-0086. Those who wish to register a complaint can email info@violationpayment.net and must include the notice number, name, and topic of discussion.
People are asked to not call the Tallulah Falls Police Department/City Hall for questions or complaints about the cameras, Elrod said in a statement.