Speed detection cameras will be allowed at the entrances of local schools.
Gilmer County commissioners passed the second reading of an ordinance allowing the Gilmer County Sheriffs Office to install unmanned speed detection cameras and radar on roads which pass school entrances.
“I’m going to make a motion that this be adopted based on the assurances that it will only be operational for the morning and afternoon drop-offs and not be a regular full-time thing,” said County Chair Charlie Paris.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson first proposed the cameras at a school board meeting in July.
Three spots were identified for the devices: Hwy. 282 that runs past the Mountain View Elementary entrance; Clear Creek Road en route to Clear Creek Middle; and Yukon Road alongside the Clear Creek Elementary campus.
“At the end of the day, it is all about the safety of children in the school zones and the individuals picking up their kids at the schools,” said Major Michael Gobble of the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office at a public hearing before the first reading of the ordinance in October.
Vehicles traveling at 11 miles over the speed limit will be captured on camera with video. It will be reviewed by the sheriff’s department and kept long enough for the violator to contest the ticket if they desire.
A civil citation will be sent to the vehicle’s owner after it is reviewed by a sergeant.
Gobble said the cameras would be active for just the hour time frame when school is opening up and again when it is letting out.
No information will be stored beyond the court case or sold to any third party. The information used is monitored by the state, Gobble said.
“We’re not capturing the information every time you drive by the radar with a camera, it’s for violators only,” he said.
Technology like the camera system is being used to free up manpower for other uses.
“Our call volume has gone up drastically over the past several years,” Gobble said. “We’re short on the road, we’re short in the schools with school resource officers, we’re short here, we’re short in the jail.”
Prior to the system going live, it will be advertised and notes will be sent home to parents, Gobble said.
Other business
◆ commissioners accepted the bid of $1.1 million from J Stanco, Inc. to perform work on the leachate lift station at the old landfill.
◆ approved a resolution asking Highway 136 be considered a scenic byway.
◆ heard the county has a new project manager, Steven Weaver.