I-Team Discovers Additional Unfair School Zone Camera Violations in Eastern Atlanta
School Cameras Issue Erroneous Fines Once Again
In a surprising discovery in Atlanta, Georgia, an investigatory team found yet another instance of drivers being unfairly ticketed by school zone cameras. This time, the location was Memorial Drive adjacent to Drew Charter School. Following this finding, it was established that numerous drivers who had previously paid fines for allegedly exceeding the speed limit in this area may be entitled to a refund.
During an in-depth investigation by the team, automatic traffic cameras set up within the school zone were discovered issuing speeding citations unjustly. This was taking place beyond the hours when school zone signals had already ceased flashing. By default, with the cessation of the flashing school zone lights, the speed limit changed from 25 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour, providing a confusing set of circumstances for drivers.
Over 4,000 Wrong Citations Issued
The investigative team’s analysis of data obtained through the Georgia Open Records Act showed that this issue had affected thousands. Over a seven-month period, around 4,460 erroneous citations were sent to drivers who were led to believe that they were driving within the speed limit.
Atlanta Public Schools confirmed the mismatch and assured that those drivers who had been unfairly fined would receive refunds. However, as the data did not include the names of pre ticketed individuals, the number of drivers affected and the total amount collected in fines wrongfully could range approximately between $350,000 and $500,000.
Private Camera Company: A Part of the Problem
Further complicating the issue is the involvement of a private company in managing these cameras. Verra Mobility, an Arizona-based company, had a contract with Atlanta Public Schools to manage these automated school speed zone cameras. The consistent discrepancy persisted despite the school system’s acknowledgement of the issue in November last year. Not only did the problem persist, but it also did so without any adjustments to the cameras or any attempt to deactivate them.
Not the First Instance of Unfair Citations
This marked the third instance of the team finding such errors within the Atlanta metropolitan region. Previously, similar issues were discovered in Jonesboro and Riverdale during the last school year. Following these instances, serious questions are being raised about the effectiveness of these automated school zone cameras and the agencies’ handling of such issues.
Towards a Solution
While the agencies have assured refunds for wrongly ticketed drivers, it is not yet clear how this will be conducted. Still, the authorities have begun to make sincere acknowledgment of the problem and are working on rectifying these technical issues.
It is hoped that continued efforts to resolve this issue from all sides will facilitate a more fair and consistent traffic system within these school zones of Atlanta. With a high stake in public trust hanging in the balance, the resolution of this problem will indeed be a test for the authorities involved.
Strict Measures Expected in the Future
Meanwhile, stern initiatives and strict laws are expected to be implemented soon as the problem has garnered heightened attention. Legislators are considering imposing a ban on automated school zone speed cameras to prevent such issues in the future.
