Floyd County commissioners have approved a six-year extension of the school zone speed camera contract near Armuchee Primary School as part of ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety along Martha Berry Highway.
The agreement with RedSpeed was approved Tuesday during the commission’s regular meeting.
Floyd County Police Capt. Ron Hunton presented traffic data showing a 45% decrease in crashes since the cameras were installed in October 2022. Crashes along Martha Berry Highway between Old Summerville Road and Scenic Road dropped from 11 in 2022 to six as of Nov. 8, 2026.
Speeding violations have also dropped significantly. RedSpeed recorded 15,813 violations in 2023, compared with 4,952 in 2024 and 5,669 in 2025. Through Nov. 9, 2026, the cameras had recorded 6,287 violations.
County Manager Jamie McCord explained that money collected through the program cannot be used to balance the county’s general budget. Under state law, the county’s portion must go toward law enforcement and public safety improvements, not employee salaries.
Under the agreement, RedSpeed receives 35% of the revenue from speeding citations.
The renewed agreement will last six years from its effective date, but the county can end the contract with 60 days’ written notice.
The extension was approved ahead of a new state requirement under House Bill 651. Beginning July 1, 2027, local governments must receive voter approval through a referendum before entering into or renewing school zone speed camera contracts. Approved programs would be authorized for six years.
Because Floyd County approved its extension before the law takes effect, a referendum is not required for the current agreement.
Under the current enforcement rules, drivers can receive a citation when traveling 56 mph or faster during periods when the school zone’s flashing lights are active and the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph. When the lights are off and the posted limit is 55 mph, citations begin at 69 mph.
The cameras operate on school days from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The reduced speed limit is enforced from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Fines are $75 for a first violation and $125 for additional violations. Because the citations are civil offenses, they do not add points to a driver’s license or affect insurance rates.
Commissioners also discussed adding more flashing warning lights along Martha Berry Highway to improve visibility of the school zone. The additional lights would require approval from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
