Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Speed Cameras topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Snellville staff propose extending school‑zone speed‑camera contract until November 2027 pending referendum
Summary
City staff told the council that a recent state law change will require a voter referendum on school‑zone (red) speed cameras in 2027; staff proposed extending the city's contract through the November 2027 election to avoid a special election and keep enforcement running until voters decide.
City staff told the Snellville Mayor and Council on June 22 that a change in state law will require voter approval for school‑zone (red) speed‑camera programs beginning in 2027, and recommended extending the city's current vendor contract through the November 2027 election cycle so the city would not have to hold a costly special referendum.
The Police Chief said the cameras operate an hour before and an hour after the school day and that the state law change will require flashing lights to be synchronized with camera operation. The chief also said the department has not yet received tickets that were proven to be issued outside lawful hours and described several citizen complaints about confusing dates shown on mailed notices. "The cameras are operating an hour before children get to school and an hour after the kids are leaving school," the chief said, adding that staff will dismiss tickets when system errors are reported and verified.
Council members pressed staff for clarity on hours of operation and synchronization with flashing signs. Staff said the law effective in 2027 will require flashing lights whenever cameras operate and that the city will post hours on poles so drivers can see when cameras are active. Staff recommended extending the contract so enforcement continues uninterrupted until voters decide in November 2027.
Why it matters: The contract extension would maintain school‑zone enforcement during a transition mandated by state law and avoid the logistical and fiscal cost of a special election. Residents who received tickets or believe a camera operated at the wrong time were encouraged to provide citations or citation numbers to staff for review.
Next steps: Staff will publish hours of operation on poles at camera sites and collect any citizen‑submitted tickets for review; the contract extension and referendum timing will be handled administratively and at future meetings as needed.
