City to add flashing beacons at three school zones; council debates camera hours and enforcement

Police staff presented quotes to install flashing beacon lights at three school zones—Mirror Lake Elementary, Villa Rica High School and Vera Elementary—to operate one hour before school and one hour after dismissal to alert drivers to reduced school‑zone speeds. The beacons are intended as a visible reminder that the posted reduced speed is in effect during school hours.

Council discussed whether the automated cameras used to enforce school‑zone speeds should operate only during the narrow reduced‑speed windows or run across the school day. Police staff explained the camera vendors operate cameras during school hours and that citations are reviewed by city personnel; appeals can be scheduled in municipal court. Chief Michael Manser and Administrative Captain Eddie Thompson said the city will review camera data and that the vendor provides the initial technical support, but city staff review citations before the municipal process.

Council members urged flashing beacons to increase transparency for motorists and reduce confusion about when reduced speed limits apply. Staff noted that changing posted speeds outside state processes may have implications for radar enforcement and that final placement and timing will be coordinated with engineering and school officials. The council moved the installation toward consent with follow up from public safety and engineering on hours of operation and placement.