School Zone TRAFFIC Cameras

A state-of-the-art photo speed enforcement system is used at most BCSS schools. This system uses advanced laser-powered cameras and extensive signage to protect our children and staff from speeding vehicles. The system is only active on days when students are in school buildings (not on teacher work days or other non-school days).

Please be sure to drively safely in all of our school zones. The following schools currently use the traffic camera system:

• County Line Elementary
• Bethlehem Elementary
• Apalachee High
• Haymon-Morris Middle
• Yargo Elementary
• Kennedy Elementary
• Westside Middle
• Holsenbeck Elementary
• Bramlett Elementary
• Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy
• Austin Road Elementary
• Sims Academy
• Bear Creek Middle
• Statham Elementary
• Winder-Barrow High
• Russell Middle
• Winder Elementary

Why are we implementing this program?

Ultimately, we want safer roadways for everyone.

Teaming up with the BCSO, a comprehensive study completed in 2020 identified a shocking number of cars speeding during school hours. Careless driving and distracted kids are on the rise in our community. We face a dangerous problem, and we’re working to solve it.

This photo enforcement system is already used by other school districts in our area, and they have seen an average 50-76% reduction in speed. The program will protect our children, while freeing up our school resource officers to help prevent problems elsewhere.

How does it work?

The Photo Speed Enforcement System combines a public information campaign along with a 30-day warning period to encourage people to slow down and change their driving habits.

In school zones, there are flashing lights and posted speed limits. Additional road signs will show a vehicle’s speed and give advance warning of the upcoming school zone. Cameras will be used to identify any vehicles traveling over the approved speed limit.

Anyone in the designated school zone driving 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit will receive a citation in the mail. This means that if the flashing light speed limit is 25 mph, you will be given a ticket at 36 mph. Once the lights turn off, the speed limit may rise to 35 mph, and you would be ticketed at 46 mph. Speed limits are posted within the school zone.

The Barrow County Sheriff's Department, Statham, or Winder Police Department will fine offenders $100 for the first citation, and $125 for each additional offense. This violation is a civil violation and is not considered a traffic violation. You will not receive points on your driver’s license, and it will not be reported to your insurance. Citation revenues will go to the BCSO/SPD/WPD which will be invested in school safety needs ranging from surveillance equipment to automated external defibrillators.

The automated speed zone will be enforced on school days starting one hour before school starts until one hour after the end of the school day.

• Even when lights are not flashing, the speed limit will be photo enforced when school is in session all day long.
• If school starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m., then speed limits will be enforced from 6:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. See bell times.
• In zones with multiple schools, automated enforcement will start from the earliest start time to the latest end time. For example, Yargo Elementary starts at 7:30 a.m. and Apalachee High School ends at 3:35 p.m. This speed zone will be enforced from 6:30 a.m. until 4:35 p.m. each school day.

We’re committed to safeguarding our kids with this innovative initiative. Please drive safely in our school zones and in our community.