Georgia House Advances Bill to Ban School Zone Cameras

The Georgia House has passed House Bill 225, which aims to eliminate speed cameras in school zones due to concerns they serve more as revenue generators than safety measures. The bill received strong bipartisan support, passing with 129 votes in favor and 37 against, despite some lawmakers expressing concerns about the potential impact on traffic safety. Rep. Dale Washburn, who sponsored the bill, argued that the cameras do not enhance children's safety, as they are often deployed in areas without pedestrian activity. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, where it may face challenges, particularly due to significant campaign contributions from speed camera companies to various officials. In a related development, Manatee County, Florida, has also discontinued its school speed zone camera program after residents raised complaints about its effectiveness, with over 55,000 violations issued since its inception. Both states reflect growing skepticism about the efficacy and motivations behind automated speed enforcement systems.