(Temple, GA) – With the start of the new school year approaching, the Temple Police Department announces the return of its school zone safety and automated traffic enforcement program for the Providence Elementary, Temple Middle, and Temple High School zones located on Sage Street and Rainey Road. The program was implemented last school year and since has proven very beneficial in keeping the students, faculty, parents safer.  The number of vehicles speeding through those school zones during the initial speed study totaled 1,675 over a 5-day period.  Through public information and education and the warning phase of the program, the number of speeding vehicles drastically dropped to 265 before a single citation was even issued.  After the enforcement phase began, the number was reduced even lower to 108 violations over a 5-day period and the city has seen a 94% reduction overall since the implementation of the program. 

The city activated its network of speed detection cameras on August 3, 2021, in these school zones to make sure drivers aren’t putting the lives of students and teachers in jeopardy as they return to school. The cameras monitor speeds and issue citations during school days.  No citations will be issued on holidays, weekends, or any other times school is not in session. They will also be in operation only during a specific time frame throughout the day.  Enforcement will begin 1 hour prior to the start of school and will end 1 hour after students are released. During the time period that the school zone lights are flashing, the enforcement will be on any vehicle driving 11 MPH or over the posted school zone speed limit. During the times that the lights are not flashing, enforcement will be on any vehicle driving 11 MPH or more above the posted normal roadway speed limit. The registered owner of the vehicle will receive a citation in the mail with a picture of their vehicle, tag, and the speed the vehicle was traveling. This citation is a civil issue and will not cause any points on their license.  Drivers caught speeding are fined $100 for first offenses and $150 for subsequent violations.

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact Lt. Hollowood at 70-562-3151 x202 or jhollowood@templega.us. He will gladly assist you.