ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Dougherty County leaders are considering the sheriff’s office recommendation to install speed zone cameras in unincorporated areas, but the conversation is proving more contentious than expected.

The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is asking commissioners to establish speed zone cameras in unincorporated areas of the county, with a primary focus around Radium Springs Elementary and Middle School. According to a traffic study by Red Speed, during an eight-hour window from one hour before school starts to one hour after school ends, there were 166 potential violations on Holly Drive and 2,404 on Radium Springs Road.

“I know nobody likes those speed cameras, but the fact is that they save lives. And we’ve got folks that are working at these schools that have asked us to please help and do something,” a sheriff’s office representative said.

However, many commissioners weren’t convinced, citing concerns about pending state-level legislation affecting traffic enforcement, the lack of a significant rise in pedestrian accidents to justify the program and potential financial burden on taxpayers.

“Our numbers do not justify putting hardship on people just for outrageous speeding. Because I think in the unincorporated area, our majority of county police do a great job,” one commissioner said.

Implementation details and revenue concerns

The implementation would come at no cost to the county, officials said. Revenue generated would go to the general fund and can only be used for law enforcement, public safety and school safety initiatives. Additionally, a certified deputy would reportedly review each citation to ensure it was issued during school hours.

But even these assurances may not be enough to sway the commission.

“The company that’s introducing it, they’re going to make some money. I don’t think it’s going to change our bottom line for our law enforcement budget at all. They’re going to get more of an advantage than Dougherty County or the city of Albany,” another commissioner said.

Commissioners are expected to vote on the proposal in the coming weeks. State legislators previously introduced House Bill 225 to ban speed cameras statewide, and though it failed to pass, they could revisit and amend it during this legislative session.

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