I-Team: Thousands ticketed by school zone cameras set up further from the school than law allows

Atlanta, hundreds of drivers may be unjustly ticketed due to misplacement of school zone cameras. Cameras set up two streets away from an elementary school in southwest Atlanta have reportedly handed out thousands of citations. The crucial issue here appears to be a major violation of Georgia law which restricts school zones within a 1,000-foot limits from the boundary of any public or private elementary or secondary school.

The Controversial School Zone Cameras

Atlanta Public Schools, in conjunction with the city officials, have maintained the legality of the school zone and the issued tickets. Nevertheless, the cameras in question are at R.N. Fickett Elementary School located at the tip of a dead-end road. The school zone on Fairburn Road is distanced more than 1,000 feet from the school and yet, thousands of speed tickets have been issued.

Confirmed Errors

Doubts arose when Fulton County Commissioner, Marvin Arrington Jr., who has a law office nearby, received two tickets. His disbelief stirred an investigation into the matter, revealing that one camera stands over 2,000 feet away from the school parking lot, while the other is placed more than 1,600 feet away. This discrepancy led to an investigation that uncovered errors in other automated ticketing systems in metro Atlanta, causing unjust citations for motorists.

Automated Cameras: Legal, but Misplaced?

Despite the noticeable location discrepancy, the Department of Transportation stands by its decision. In an email response, the department spokesperson insisted that the school zone is a valid location and that the system received a permit for installation. The footage and data from these cameras, managed by Atlanta Public Schools contractor Verra Mobility, confirm more than 5,935 citations since their installation in September.

Financial Impact

The total dollar amount equates to around $525,000 to $675,000, assuming each ticket costs $75 for first-time offenders and $125 for a second offense. This monetary outcome sparked considerable pushback from drivers calling for refunds, reimbursement, and even a class-action lawsuit.

Seeking a Resolution

Many hope for a resolution soon, suggesting the cameras and speed detectors be rightly placed within the 1,000 feet school zones. The city and school authorities are being urged to admit their mistake, as highlighted by the ongoing lawsuits, and reimburse drivers who received a ticket during this period. Nonetheless, city officials and Atlanta Public Schools appear to be firm in their stance, leaving drivers with two choices: pay the fine or challenge the legality of their speeding tickets in court.

Controversy Continues

The debate continues in Atlanta, with people questioning the legality and fairness of the school zone cameras. City Hall faces a difficult decision as they struggle to balance enforcing speed limits for school safety and upholding the rights of the drivers who’ve been unfairly fined. Meanwhile, the improper placement of these automated cameras serves as a critical reminder for all drivers to be aware of their speeds, especially in school zones.