City of Ocilla Partners with RedSpeed Georgia to Enhance School Zone Safety

Photo byDCP

The City of Ocilla has announced a new initiative aimed at improving safety in school zones by partnering with RedSpeed Georgia. This comprehensive program, funded entirely through violator fines and supported by the provisions of House Bill 978, targets two local schools to address the urgent need for better school zone safety. Currently, Georgia ranks 36th nationally for school zone safety.

The initiative will utilize advanced Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology and high-definition video cameras to monitor traffic. Cameras will be installed at Irwin County Elementary School on Lax Hwy and Irwin County High School on Brushy Creek Road. These devices will be operational only on school days, from one hour before the start of school to one hour after dismissal.

Greg Parks, Senior Vice President of RedSpeed, emphasized the program's focus on long-term improvements in driver behavior. "Students should feel safe walking to and from school," he said. "The goal of these cameras is to ultimately improve long-term driver behavior."

The program will be financed through fines levied on traffic violators, with RedSpeed Georgia covering all costs related to equipment, maintenance, and operations. This arrangement ensures that there will be no financial impact on taxpayers.

During a 30-day warning period set to begin this fall, signs will be placed at each end of the school zones to alert drivers about the upcoming automated speed enforcement. Once the program is fully implemented, drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 11 mph or more will receive citations. The fine for a first violation will be $75, with subsequent violations within the same calendar year costing $125. These fines will not affect driving records or insurance premiums, but nonpayment will lead to additional penalties.

Officials with the Ocilla Police Department stated they would benefit from enhanced monitoring capabilities, including receiving alerts for vehicles associated with Temporary Protection Orders and Amber Alerts, among other features.

This proactive measure aims to ensure a safer environment for students and reinforces the City of Ocilla's commitment to enhancing community safety.