HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — As students across Houston County headed back to school, drivers were met with the reactivation of school zone cameras, sparking mixed reactions from parents and motorists.
The cameras are positioned in different school zones throughout the county, and they are monitored by the Warner Robins Police Department and the Houston County Sheriff's Office.
They are designed to enforce reduced speed limits during key times — an hour before school begins and an hour after school ends. However, some parents say the varying hours and enforcement times are causing confusion.
Wanda Stephens, a parent picking up her child on the first day of school, said she was frustrated with the system.
"The biggest problem I've had with it is that different schools go in and out at different times. It's hard to keep track," Stephens said.
Other parents, like Charles Walker, echoed these concerns, saying the cameras are more about revenue than safety.
"The cameras are good for what they're supposed to do, but they need to work on the timing. I got a ticket for a time I wasn't even there," Walker said. "I'm not denying it was my car in the picture, but it was not that time it said on the ticket. They need to fix those issues."
Despite these concerns, there are also parents who support the presence of the cameras, citing the added layer of protection for their children.
"I think they are a good idea because you can accidentally be going too fast and get a ticket, but then again, you're supposed to be paying attention," said Missy Blumenthal, another parent. "Overall, I think they are a good thing though. They keep our kids safe."
Houston County law enforcement advises drivers to pay close attention to the posted speed limits and the specific school zone hours to avoid penalties.
The cameras are not active when school is out, including overnight, on weekends, and during holidays, but they are in use during summer school sessions.
As other schools in Central Georgia prepare to open in the coming days, similar enforcement measures will be in place across the region.