School zone speed cameras are now live on U.S. 29 with violators receiving mailed citations. Last summer, Madison County Supervisors approved an ordinance and contract with Blue Line Solutions (BLS) to install and operate speed cameras in the school zone on U.S. 29 adjacent to Madison County High School. State code allows for speed enforcement via camera in construction and school zones. The ordinance creates a civil process for violations of the cameras, a requirement for localities utilizing the technology.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, speeding in the high school zone on U.S. 29 has long been an issue. A study conducted in October 2024 found 7,915 drivers passed through the zone weekly with 2,425 of them speeding. Of the speeders, 1,228 were traveling 11-14 MPH over the posted speed limit, 762 were exceeding the limit by 15-20 MPH and 435 were exceeding the limit by 21 or more MPH.
During a 30-day warning period which ended Wednesday, the office reported an average of more than 200 violations per week with some vehicles traveling through the school zone at speeds in excess of 70 MPH.
“These numbers are alarming and highlight the need for stronger enforcement measures,” the office said in a release.
As part of the speed camera program, cameras capture the license plate images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by at least 10 mph. Those images are then verified by a sworn officer at BLS and sent to a Madison County Sheriff’s Office for verification. Once a deputy approves the violation, it is then sent back to BLS which sends out a summons to the vehicle’s owner utilizing DMV information. When the $100 civil penalty fine is paid, $75 goes to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office to use for highway safety and $25 is retained by BLS to recoup costs associated with installing and maintaining the equipment. The county does not pay to purchase, install or maintain the equipment. Violations are not reported to insurance.
Photo enforcement cameras are only active when school is in session, children are present and the school zone beacons are flashing, approximately 7:45-8:15 a.m. and 2:45-3:15 p.m Monday-Friday.
“School zones exist to protect children, school employees and everyone traveling in the area,” the sheriff’s office said via a release. “We ask all drivers to slow down, stay alert and obey the posted speed limits when flashing lights are activated during school days.”
School zones are marked with speed limit signs, flashing beacons and advance warning signs.
