Chattanooga, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga has introduced new speed cameras around schools to enhance student safety. The cameras, located near Brainerd High School and Orchard Knob Elementary, began operating recently. A warning period will be observed, followed by fines for speeding. This initiative aims to address a rise in traffic accidents in the area, with over 360 speeding-related crashes reported this year. The program underscores a commitment to student safety, supported by both local authorities and parents.
Chattanooga has installed new speed cameras around schools to enhance safety for students and pedestrians. The cameras, operating since October 6th, 2025, are located near Brainerd High School and Orchard Knob Elementary School. A 30-day warning period will be observed following their activation, during which drivers will receive warnings for speeding violations.
After the warning period concludes on November 10th, drivers captured speeding by the cameras will incur a civil fine of $50. Although the fine is classified as civil rather than criminal, there are potential consequences for non-payment. Failure to pay by the due date could result in wage withholding, bank account deductions, or the immobilization of vehicles through booting.
The implementation of the speed cameras has prompted discussions regarding their legality and enforceability. However, the initiative addresses a concerning increase in traffic accidents, as Hamilton County has recorded over 360 crashes related to speeding this year alone. The city aims to enforce the school zone speed limit of 15 mph with this initiative.
Camera Locations and Operation
The speed cameras are strategically placed at four locations:
- Eastbound traffic on East Third Street at Stanley Street
- Westbound traffic on East Third Street at North Willow Street
- Northbound traffic on North Moore Road at Brainerd High School
- Southbound traffic on North Moore Road at Brainerd High School
Supporting Safety Measures
In conjunction with the cameras, flashing beacons are installed in school zones to alert drivers of speed limits. The Chattanooga Police Department will be monitoring these traffic cameras to ensure compliance and safety.
Michael Harris, a parent of a student at Orchard Knob, has expressed support for the camera initiative, believing it will effectively deter speeding in school zones. This sentiment aligns with the goals outlined by Police Chief John Chambers, who has emphasized that the primary focus of the cameras is child safety rather than generating revenue from tickets.
Ongoing Analysis and Future Plans
The city’s speed camera initiative is grounded in studies conducted by independent consultants, which were used to justify the specific locations of camera placement. As part of the comprehensive approach to improving traffic safety near schools, Chattanooga is considering expanding the speed camera program to additional school zones based on ongoing traffic analyses.
To further bolster pedestrian safety, five smart streetlights have also been installed to provide real-time video coverage and enhance the overall safety of areas surrounding school zones. The financial model for the traffic cameras ensures that the costs are borne by citation fees collected from the vendor, absolving taxpayers from this financial responsibility.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Camera Activation Date | October 6th, 2025 |
| Warning Period Duration | 30 days |
| Initial Fine for Speeding | $50 civil fine starting November 10th |
| Enforcement Consequences | Wage withholding, bank account deductions, vehicle booting |
| Accidents Reported in 2023 | Over 360 speeding-related crashes |
| Camera Locations | Four locations around Brainerd High School and Orchard Knob Elementary |
| Safety Measures | Flashing beacons and monitoring by Chattanooga Police Department |
| Funding Model | Costs covered by citation fees, not taxpayers |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where have the new speed cameras been installed? The cameras have been installed near Brainerd High School and Orchard Knob Elementary School in Chattanooga.
- When did the speed cameras begin operation? The cameras began operating on October 6th, 2025.
- What happens during the 30-day warning period? During this period, drivers will receive warnings for speeding violations.
- What is the amount of the fine for speeding? Drivers caught speeding will face a $50 civil fine starting November 10th.
- What are the consequences of not paying the fine? Failure to pay by the due date may lead to wage withholding, bank account deductions, or vehicle booting.
- How many speeding-related crashes have been reported this year? Hamilton County has recorded over 360 crashes related to speeding this year.
- Who monitors the traffic cameras? The Chattanooga Police Department will monitor the traffic cameras.
- What do the cameras aim to achieve? The initiative aims to maintain the school zone speed limit of 15 mph.
- How is the cost of traffic cameras covered? The cost of traffic cameras is covered by citation fees collected from the vendor, not taxpayers.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga to Start Issuing Tickets from Speed Cameras
- Local 3 News: City of Chattanooga Installs School Zone Cameras
- News Channel 9: Speed Cameras Now in Effect at 2 Chattanooga Schools
- Chattanooga Pulse: County Traffic Taskforce Seeks to Reduce Crashes
- Times Free Press: Speed Cameras Coming to 10 Chattanooga Schools
- Wikipedia: Speed Camera
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Measures
- Google Scholar: Speed Cameras
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Enforcement
- Google News: Chattanooga Traffic Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
