Recently, the Estill Springs Police Department has come under some fire for a proposed speed enforcement camera in the Rock Creek School Zone.
A comprehensive traffic study was completed in the R.C.E.S. zone. That study showed that nearly 1/3 of all traffic in that zone, morning traffic, and afternoon traffic violated the posted 15mph speed limit. This study was presented to the entire Town of Estill Springs Board of Mayor and Alderman. The B.O.M.A. voted to approve the request for a camera to be installed to assist in speed limit control.
There was a question if this was illegal; IT IS NOT!
Section 55-8-198 – Citations based on unmanned traffic enforcement cameras (a) A traffic citation that is based solely upon evidence obtained from an unmanned traffic enforcement camera that has been installed to enforce or monitor traffic violations shall be considered a nonmoving traffic violation.
If you receive a ticket from these cameras and you fail to pay it. There will not be a warrant issued for your arrest. Your license will not be suspended, and the violation does not go on your license. It will, however, be sent to collections as an unpaid debt, and you will be contacted by a collection agency. It is a fine only. Also, the law requires a full-time, POST-certified officer to review and approve all violations before the violation is sent to the violator. In ESPD’s case, that would be Chief Baker or his designee. It will not be outsourced to a private party; by state law, it can’t be.
To the citizens of Estill Springs, please understand this isn’t a money grab. It isn’t to supplement our budget. This is to enhance the protection of the school zone in the Town of Estill Springs jurisdiction. It is an added enforcement tool when officers can’t be present in the school zone due to answering calls, etc.
