FAQs • Norcross, GA • CivicEngage

Why are Speed Zone Cameras being installed?: Over the past ten years there has been a nationwide spike in pedestrian injuries and fatalities due to a combination of speeding and distracted driving. Communities are turning to automated enforcement as a means of encouraging to follow speed limits and pay attention. Automated Enforcement is endorsed as a safety tool by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Safety Council. Slower driving saves lives. A person is about 70% more likely to be killed if they are struck by a vehicle traveling 30mph versus 25 mph. There is a 93% chance of survival if a pedestrian is struck at 20mph. Small differences in speed make a huge difference, especially in school zones. The City of Norcross Police Department investigates over 180 vehicles crashes each year in 4 school zones (weekdays during school months). 25% of the 180 have injuries. Additionally, since the camera system has been active speeds of 80 mph on Beaver Ruin and dozens of speeds in excess of 30 mph over the speed limit inside all of the 4 school zones have been captured.

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School Zone Speed Detection FAQ

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1. Why are Speed Zone Cameras being installed?: Over the past ten years there has been a nationwide spike in pedestrian injuries and fatalities due to a combination of speeding and distracted driving. Communities are turning to automated enforcement as a means of encouraging to follow speed limits and pay attention. Automated Enforcement is endorsed as a safety tool by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Safety Council. Slower driving saves lives. A person is about 70% more likely to be killed if they are struck by a vehicle traveling 30mph versus 25 mph. There is a 93% chance of survival if a pedestrian is struck at 20mph. Small differences in speed make a huge difference, especially in school zones. The City of Norcross Police Department investigates over 180 vehicles crashes each year in 4 school zones (weekdays during school months). 25% of the 180 have injuries. Additionally, since the camera system has been active speeds of 80 mph on Beaver Ruin and dozens of speeds in excess of 30 mph over the speed limit inside all of the 4 school zones have been captured.

2. How will I know where the cameras are?: New signage has been placed in all school zones that are clearly visible warning drivers that the roads are enforced by cameras. Additionally, the Police Department provided a 30-day warning period during which time drivers had time to get used to the new signs and speeders received Warning Notices in the mail. 13,000 warnings were mailed during the 30-day warning periods.

3. I received a Warning Notice. What do I do?: Warning Notices are courtesy notices extended by the Police Departments, in addition to new clearly visible signs, to put drivers on notice of stepped up enforcement in school zones. If you received a Warning Notice no further action is required. All drivers are encouraged to obey speed laws.

4. What are the hours of enforcement at each school, and what speeds are being enforced at what times?

Summerour Middle School (School hours: 9:20am-4:00pm)

Photo Enforcement starts at 8:20am (35mph)

Reduced speed enforcement – 8:35am-9:35am (30mph)

Regular speed enforcement – 9:35am-3:45pm (35mph)

Reduced speed enforcement – 3:45pm-4:45pm (30mph)

Regular speed enforcement – 4:45pm-5:00pm (35mph)

Photo Enforcement ends at 5:00pm

Norcross Elementary School (School hours: 8:50am-3:20pm)

Photo Enforcement starts at 7:50am (25mph)

Reduced speed enforcement – 8:05am-9:05am (25mph)

Regular speed enforcement – 9:05am-3:05pm (25mph)

Reduced speed enforcement – 3:05pm-4:05pm (25mph)

Regular speed enforcement – 4:05pm-4:20pm (25mph)

Photo Enforcement ends at 4:20pm (25mph)

Baldwin Elementary School (School hours: 8:15am-2:45pm)

Photo Enforcement starts at 7:15am (35mph)

Reduced speed enforcement – 7:30am-8:30am (25mph)

Regular speed enforcement – 8:30am-2:30pm (35mph)

Reduced speed enforcement – 2:30pm-3:30pm (25mph)

Regular speed enforcement – 3:30pm-3:45pm (35mph)

Photo Enforcement ends at 3:45pm

Beaver Ridge Elementary School (School hours: 8:15am-2:45pm)

Photo Enforcement starts at 7:15am (45mph)

Reduced speed enforcement – 7:30am-8:30am (35mph)

Regular speed enforcement – 8:30am-2:30pm (45mph)

Reduced speed enforcement – 2:30pm-3:30pm (35mph)

Regular speed enforcement – 3:30pm-3:45pm (45mph)

Photo Enforcement ends at – 3:45pm

5. What are the criteria for receiving a speeding ticket?: According to state law automated school zone tickets are issued to drivers exceeding more than ten (10+) miles per hour over the speed limit.

6. How much is the fine?: The first violation is $75 and $125 for subsequent violations. Payments are due by the “Pay By” date listed on the citation. Georgia State Legislature set fixed fine amounts in statute.

7. Can I view my violation?: Yes. Login to https://secure.speedviolation.com and enter your citation number. You will be able to view photos and video of the violation.

8. What hours do the cameras operate?: From one hour before school until one hour after school. All monitored school zones and speeds are clearly marked.

9. I received a School Zone Speed Ticket. How do I pay it?

You may mail a check or money order to the address printed on the citation and pre-printed return envelope.

For faster credit card payments, you may pay securely online at https://secure.speedviolation.com. Electronic payments post the same day and you can receive a confirmation by e-mail.

For PAYMENT BY PHONE: Call 844-967-7333, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

10. Can I contest a school zone speeding violation?

Yes. To request a hearing, sign and date the coupon from the violation notice you received in the mail and mail it in the envelope provided. Your hearing request must be received on or before the “Payment or Contest Must Be Received By” date indicated. You will be notified by mail of the assigned hearing date, time and location.

11. If I get a ticket will my insurance go up?: Citations are civil offenses, not criminal infractions. No points are assessed on your driving record for automated enforcement violations. However, fines do escalate for repeat offenders.

12. How do the Cameras work? Are they accurate?: The enforcement program utilizes state of the art multi-dimensional radar that tracks and monitors up to 350 cars simultaneously. Radar is accurate within .1 miles per hour. A detailed maintenance and testing log is maintained at all times. No tickets are issued within any possible margin of error.

13. What happens to ticket revenue?: According to state law, paid citation revenue must be utilized for law enforcement activities that will make communities safer, such as police equipment and road safety measures.