Chatham County school zone speed cameras begin issuing fines Monday

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah Police and Chatham County Police will begin issuing fines to drivers caught speeding in school zones Monday, Aug. 17, following a two-week warning period.

The speed cameras were reactivated Aug. 3, the first day of school across Chatham County. Since then, Savannah Police have issued 606 warning citations.

How the cameras work

The cameras operate 45 minutes before school begins, remain active throughout the school day and deactivate 30 minutes after dismissal. The enforcement threshold is 10 miles per hour over the reduced speed limit when a school zone reduction is in effect, or 10 miles per hour over the posted school zone speed limit when no reduction is in effect.

Fine structure

Fines are determined by state law. A first offense carries a $75 fine plus a $10 processing fee. Second and subsequent offenses are subject to a $125 fine plus a $10 processing fee.

Citations are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle and do not affect driver’s license points. Failure to pay fines will result in the vehicle owner being unable to renew their vehicle tag until all fines are paid.

Neighbors weigh in

Residents near East Broad Street Elementary School say speeding is a visible problem in the area. Wes Johnson, who lives in the school zone, said the street can feel unsafe.

“Most people follow the speed limit but it’s not too uncommon to see people go flying through here,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he considered the two-week warning period fair and hopes enforcement will change driver behavior.

“For most people that is enough to get them to really like, reassess the way that they’re driving at least through the school zones,” he said.

Johnson also credited parents and crossing guards for helping keep children safe during drop-off and pick-up, despite increased traffic.

“It’s dangerous but it seems to me like the parents and the crossing guards do a good job of ferrying the kids across safely,” he said.

Nighttime speeding a concern

Johnson said the most dangerous time on East Broad Street is at night, outside of school hours.

“That’s typically where people will come down this road at much higher speeds, whether they’re street racing or just trying to show off or what have you, honestly that’s the one time it is most dangerous to walk around on these streets,” he said.

Johnson said he would not oppose expanding speed enforcement beyond school hours.

Drivers who receive a citation can contest it in court by following the instructions on their citation.

The hearing can be requested at here or by calling 1-855-252-0086.