News Summary
As the new academic year commences, Chatham County has reactivated its school zone speed cameras to enhance safety for approximately 3,000 students who walk to school. The move aims to ensure drivers adhere to speed limits around schools, with citations issued immediately without warning. These cameras, monitored by local police departments, target 30 public schools, emphasizing the importance of traffic safety for children. Previous enforcement resulted in over 31,000 violations last year, reinforcing the commitment to a safer educational environment.
Savannah – School zone speed cameras have been reactivated in Chatham County as the new academic year begins, a move aimed at enhancing safety for students walking to school. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System reports that approximately 3,000 students walk to school, with the remaining students either taking buses or being driven by parents. This increased monitoring of speed limits in school zones is intended to mitigate the risks associated with traffic and ensure a safer environment for children.
The speed enforcement cameras, provided by Blue Line Solutions, were turned back on starting August 4. This coincides with the commencement of the school year, which is a critical time to remind drivers of the importance of adhering to speed limits around schools. The Savannah Police Department (SPD), Chatham County Police Department (CCPD), Garden City Police Department (GCPD), and Thunderbolt Police Department are responsible for monitoring these speed enforcement cameras near 30 public schools in the area.
Additional camera activations are scheduled at St. James Catholic School on August 7 and at St. Andrews School on August 13. However, some schools will not have active speed enforcement this year. Leiston Shuman Elementary’s speed zone is inactive due to the school’s closure, while the Georgetown K-8 School’s speed camera is also not operational because of ongoing renovations.
Important changes in the citation enforcement process include the immediate issuance of citations without a warning period since no new cameras are being added within CCPD’s jurisdiction. Drivers can expect enforcement to begin right away as the school year kicks off. This follows a successful year prior, during which the CCPD issued over 31,000 speed violations from August 2024 to May 2025, resulting in fines totaling approximately $3.07 million.
Out of those fines, CCPD retained nearly $1.87 million, while almost $150,000 was allocated to the Savannah-Chatham Board of Education, representing 5% of the citation earnings. In an effort to address community concerns, about $690 in fines were credited back to individuals who had been fined in the previous year, with the remainder of the proceeds going to Blue Line Solutions.
Speed limits in school zones are typically reduced to 25 mph and are enforced 45 minutes prior to the start of school, throughout the school day, and for 30 minutes after dismissal. A citation can be issued for exceeding the limit by 11 mph or more, with first offenses incurring a penalty of $75 plus a processing fee, and subsequent violations leading to a fine of $125 plus processing. It is important to note that these citations are civil penalties and do not carry points that affect a driver’s license.
Drivers who fail to pay their fines may face denied registration renewal for vehicles captured speeding. Citations are subject to internal review by the police agencies involved and can be contested through a scheduled court date. Additionally, the school zone speed cameras will not be in operation during weekends, holidays, or school breaks, allowing respite for drivers in those times.
To further inform motorists, traditional school zone signage, camera warning signs, and notifications through apps like Waze are being utilized. Police departments emphasize the significance of traffic safety for children who walk or bike to and from school, reiterating the importance of adhering to speed limits to create a safe educational environment.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: School Zone Speed Cameras
- MSN: School Speed Cameras Debate
- WJCL: Chatham County School Zone Cameras
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Speed Cameras
- WTOC: School Zone Speed Cameras Reactivation
- Google News: School Speed Cameras Savannah
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
