School Zone Speed Limit Enforcement Expanded in Macon-Bibb County

Macon-Bibb County has expanded its use of speed cameras to enforce speed limits in school zones, aiming to enhance safety for students. As of Monday, February 5, cameras have been activated to issue tickets for drivers exceeding the speed limit by 11 or more miles per hour in designated school zones.

In a move to prioritize safety, the enforcement measures cover several schools, including Carter Elementary, First Presbyterian Day School, Hartley Elementary, Heard Elementary, Springdale Elementary, and Windsor Academy. Violators caught speeding in these zones will receive tickets as part of the initiative.

Additionally, warnings will be issued for speeding violations in the Stratford Academy school zone starting February 5, with full enforcement commencing on March 6.

The initiative has already been operational in several other school zones, including Northeast High & Appling Middle, Rutland Middle & High, Weaver Middle, Westside High, Ballard-Hudson Middle & Ingram-Pye Elementary, and Southwest High.

Mayor Lester Miller emphasized the importance of ensuring compliance with posted speed limits around schools, stating, “This is about changing people’s behavior.” The aim is to foster a safer environment for students during school hours.

The enforcement through speed cameras applies on school days during specified hours, starting one hour before the commencement of classes and lasting until one hour after dismissal. Notably, the cameras enforce both the regular speed limit and the reduced speed limit during school hours.

The fines for speeding violations captured by the cameras start at $100 for the first offense, increasing to $150 for subsequent citations. Funds collected from these fines will be dedicated to local law enforcement and public safety initiatives.

It’s important to note that citations issued via the cameras will not impact a driver’s record or affect insurance premiums. Each citation undergoes review by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Mayor Miller expressed the administration’s commitment to enhancing public safety, citing it as a top priority for the community. The goal is to extend the use of these safety measures to every private and public school in the area.

School & Enforcement Hours

• First Presbyterian Day School
  • School Time: M/T/Th/F – 8:15 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.; W – 8:50 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.
  • Enforcement: M/T/Th/F – 7:15 a.m. – 4:10 p.m.; W – 7:50 a.m. – 4:10 p.m.
• Stratford Academy
  • School Time: 8:15 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
  • Enforcement: 7:15 a.m. – 4:20 p.m.
• Windsor Academy
  • School Time: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Enforcement: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Bibb County School District
  • Elementary School
    • School Time: 8:20 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
    • Enforcement: 7:20 a.m. – 4:20 p.m.
  • Middle School
    • School Time: 9:05 a.m. – 4:05 p.m.
    • Enforcement: 8:05 a.m. – 5:05 p.m.
  • High School
    • School Time: 7:30 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.
    • Enforcement: 6:30 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.