SCSO Provides Update on School Zone Cameras

Update: As we attempt to find answers to the multiple questions that have been posed in emails and calls responding to the story on the air and here on our website, as well as posted on the story on our social media page, we are postponing our followup story until Wednesday.

 

WNEG News has obtained a copy of a letter from Toccoa Chief Of Police Jimmy Mize, sent to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and copied to county officials and Stephens County School Superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin, regarding the Police Department’s involvement in traffic control in school zones. 

The letter, sent March 28, states, “The Toccoa Police Department has been assisting with the Stephens COunty School zones for a number of years. This assistance came at the request of former Sheriff Gene Sorrells. Over the years, officers with the Toccoa Police Department have directed traffic at the cross streets and enforced the laws within school zones on Big A Road. However, due to the recent installment of traffic enforcement cameras, the Toccoa Police Department will no longer be working the school zones. The cameras hinder the enforcement of traffic laws in the school zones. This change will go into effect on Monday, April 8; this should allow enough time for other arrangements.”

At the Stephens County Commission’s Budget Retreat meetings last week, Commissioners heard from representatives from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office regarding budget considerations for the 2024 Fiscal Year. Discussions ranged from grant funds, to communications equipment and salary considertaions, and one topic of conversation brought up were the as-yet inactive traffic enforcement cameras that have been placed on Big A Road in both directions from the intersection with White Pine Road, where high school traffic enters the main thoroughfare. 

Captain Stephen Stewart, with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, was asked about the expected revenue from the cameras, and explained that it would be difficult to come up with firm numbers before the cameras go live. 

There was general discussion of the fees, and whether citations would be civil or criminal.

Stewart added that they are already seeing a slowing of traffic in the school zone, even though the cameras won’t go live until the beginning of next school year.

WNEG News will be following up on this news story tomorrow with additional information regarding Georgia State Law and Georgia Department of Transportation regulations regarding automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones.