5/20/08-Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a bill into law to make it tougher for local governments to post red-light cameras. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2009.
The cameras that are used in more than 20 cities and counties across the state snap pictures of red-light runners or speeders’ vehicle tags. Tickets are mailed to the vehicles’ owners, regardless of who was driving at the time.
The new law, previously HB77, allows cities and counties to continue to use automated cameras at intersections, but put new restrictions on them. Local governments are required to get permits from the Georgia Department of Transportation to put up cameras.
Localities with existing programs have until Jan. 2010 to obtain permits for use of the ticketing machines.
Cities will be required to provide the DOT with annual reports on the devices. Local governments also are prohibited from decreasing the duration of traffic lights’ amber time.
Motorists issued photo tickets can avoid fines by sending in forms certifying that they were not driving when their vehicle was captured on camera running a red light.

4/14/08-The House voted 136-24 to sign off on Senate changes to a bill that would make it tougher for local governments to post red-light cameras.
The cameras snap pictures of red-light runners or speeders’ vehicle tags. Tickets are mailed to the vehicles’ owners, regardless who was driving at the time.
Sponsored by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, HB77 now moves to Gov. Sonny Perdue’s desk. The Senate approved it on a 45-5 vote.
The bill would allow cities and counties to continue to use automated cameras at intersections, but put new restrictions on them. It would require local governments to get permits from the Georgia Department of Transportation to put up cameras.
The measure also would prohibit local governments from decreasing the duration of traffic lights’ amber time. In addition, it would require traffic engineering studies before cameras are posted.
For bill status, call (404) 656-5015.

3/28/08-The Senate voted 45-5 to approve a bill that would make it tougher for local governments to post red-light cameras.
The cameras snap pictures of red-light runners or speeders’ vehicle tags. Tickets are mailed to the vehicles’ owners, regardless who was driving at the time.
Sponsored by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, HB77 would allow cities and counties to continue to use automated cameras at intersections, but put new restrictions on them. It would require local governments to get permits from the Georgia Department of Transportation to put up cameras.
The measure also would prohibit local governments from decreasing the duration of traffic lights’ amber time. In addition, it would require traffic engineering studies before cameras are posted.
The bill now moves back to the House for approval of changes. If approved, there, it would head to Gov. Sonny Perdue’s desk.
For bill status, call (404) 656-5015.

3/18/08-The Senate voted 49-4 to table a bill that would make it tougher for local governments to post red-light cameras.
The cameras snap pictures of red-light runners or speeders’ vehicle tags. Tickets are mailed to the vehicles’ owners, regardless who was driving at the time.
The House-approved bill would allow cities and counties to continue to use automated cameras at intersections, but put new restrictions on them. Sponsored by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, HB77 would require local governments to get permits from the Georgia Department of Transportation to put up cameras.
The bill initially sought to repeal the six-year-old Georgia law relating to traffic signal monitoring devices. The more than 20 cities and counties across the state that have since posted the cameras would have been required to take them down.
The bill was later amended in the House to mandate that local agencies that did not obtain a permit would forfeit revenues to the state.
The bill also would prohibit local governments from decreasing the duration of traffic lights’ amber time. In addition, it would require traffic engineering studies before cameras are posted.
Once the bill arrived on the Senate floor, several amendments were offered. Among the proposed changes was a requirement to route revenue from violators to the state’s general fund for trauma care.
Instead, the Senate voted to table the measure.
The bill, however, isn’t dead yet. It could be reconsidered in committee and make its way back to the chamber floor before the session adjourns in mid April.
For bill status, call (404) 656-5015.