ATLANTA — Starting this week, Atlanta Public Schools will be taking new steps to keep kids safe as they walk to and from school.
Officials announced plans to roll out a school zone speed safety camera program, which will be launched first at 10 elementary schools.
- R. N. Fickett Elementary School
- Kindezi at Gideons Elementary School
- Burgess-Peterson Academy
- Kimberly Elementary School
- Miles Elementary School
- Continental Colony Elementary School
- Drew Charter Schools
- Morris Brandon Elementary School (Main Campus)
- Cleveland Avenue Elementary School
- E. Rivers Elementary School
The district said these schools were chosen because traffic data indicated they have a "significant number of speeders."
One such area is the intersection of Peachtree Battle Ave. and Peachtree Road. Atlanta Police said there have been at least 22 crashes in that spot since last year.
Starting Friday, drivers caught speeding in the school zones will simply receive a warning, but starting September 18, drivers will get a ticket.
Essentially, how it will work is the cameras will capture only the license plates of speeding cars. That information will then be sent to Atlanta Police, who will mail the driver a picture of their license place, the recorded speed, and ticket.
“Our priority is to keep our students safe," Ronald Applin, Atlanta Public Schools Police Chief, said. "The school zone speed cameras will help slow drivers down, thereby protecting children as they walk to and from school."
In Georgia, a speeding violation will carry a fine of $75 for first-time offenders. Subsequent offenses will result in a $125 fine.
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