School zone cameras are meant to protect children, but are they really doing their job? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding no. These cameras are more of a money-making scheme than a safety measure, and it's high time we address this issue. The fact that drivers are being ticketed outside of posted school zone hours, even when the caution lights aren't flashing, is a clear indication that something is wrong. Personally, I think the rules surrounding these cameras are speeding past common sense, and it's time we take a step back and reevaluate their purpose. The story of Clayton County driver Norbert Raith and his partner Carol Crooks is a perfect example of this. Raith was shocked to receive a school zone speeding citation in January, even though he was driving well below the speed limit. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that the camera was operating as a regular speed enforcement camera, long after the school's morning bell had rung. This raises a deeper question: are these cameras really meant to protect children, or are they just a way for local governments to rake in money from out-of-state camera companies? The data seems to suggest that these cameras are effective in reducing speeding in school zones, but at what cost? In my opinion, the cost is too high. The fact that these cameras are operating outside of school zone hours, and that drivers are being ticketed for driving at the speed of traffic, is a clear indication that something is wrong. The lights that are supposed to indicate when the cameras are operating are not always in effect, and this is a major point of confusion for drivers. This raises a deeper question: are these cameras really doing their job, or are they just a way to generate revenue? The answer, in my opinion, is that they are not doing their job. The cameras outside Lilburn Middle School, where driver Rick Marlette was cited, have issued more than 11,000 tickets since January. This is a staggering number, and it's clear that something needs to be done. The fact that these cameras are operating outside of school zone hours, and that drivers are being ticketed for driving at the speed of traffic, is a clear indication that something is wrong. The governor's signature on the passed bill, which requires school zones to have more visible warning signs with flashing lights during times the cameras operate, is a step in the right direction. However, it's not enough. We need to take a step back and reevaluate the purpose of these cameras. In my opinion, the cameras are more of a money-making scheme than a safety measure, and it's time we address this issue. The fact that drivers are being ticketed outside of posted school zone hours, even when the caution lights aren't flashing, is a clear indication that something is wrong. We need to ensure that these cameras are really doing their job, and that they are not just a way to generate revenue. This raises a deeper question: are we really protecting children, or are we just protecting the bottom line?
