Albany Police reminds drivers of school zone cameras

ALBANY, Ga. – Tuesday isn’t just the start of the new school year for students in Albany, but the re-activation of the red-speed cameras like the ones you see behind me…

And, while some see the benefit of these school zone cameras, they’ve been a point of contention to plenty in the Good Life City.

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley said during a Monday afternoon news conference that the cameras have been doing exactly what they should be doing since being installed in 2021.

“You can see it in the driving behavior of people, even at nighttime, on the weekends. Folks know where the cameras are at, which school zones have them, and you can see their driving habits, they’re slowing down, which is what we want,” said Chief Michael Persley, Albany Police Department.

Since that installation, through March of this year, the cameras have issued tens of thousands of traffic citations.

Something that many in the city feel has been unfair as they claim the cameras have been on at all hours of the day, not just during school.

“If they’re gonna ticket you, or something like that, it should be by a police officer. Someone who actually sees you committing a violation, or something to that effect. Not just a camera that has no voice in court,” said Charles Timblin, Albany.

But, others are among the same mindset as Chief Persley that the red-speed cameras are a benefit to school zones and keep the kids safe.

“I think it’s great. Cause a lot of people be speeding and stuff like that. Some people don’t want to slow down and stuff like that. But I know when I get to ’em, I slow down,” said Jacquelyn McKinney.

And, before the new school year starts, Albany’s Chief of Police does just have a couple of reminders for drivers going through school zones…

“Slow down your speed. Watch out for the buses, watch out for the kids, watch out for the parents, watch out for the other drivers. Cause we want to make sure we have a safe school year this year, to limit the amount of accidents that can occur with extra vehicles on the road…” said Chief Michael Persley, Albany Police Department.

And, Chief Persley said Monday afternoon that while the police will be re-activating the red-speed cameras Tuesday morning they will not be handing out citations right away.

Until August 15th violators will be receiving a warning letter in the mail.

According to the Albany Police earlier this year, since the installation, the cameras have collected nearly five million dollars in citations.

Brian Roche reporting.

Copyright 2023 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.