Chattanooga, September 24, 2025

News Summary

Chattanooga is activating traffic cameras in school zones to enforce the 15 mph speed limit, enhancing safety for students. Starting on October 6, violators will receive a $50 citation during a 30-day warning period. The cameras are located near Orchard Knob Elementary and Brainerd High School. Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers emphasizes the goal is child safety, not ticketing. Additional cameras may be added based on traffic studies, with funding sourced from citation fees, ensuring no cost to taxpayers.

Chattanooga Schools Install Speed Cameras to Enhance Student Safety

The City of Chattanooga is set to activate traffic cameras at Orchard Knob Elementary and Brainerd High School on October 6. These cameras are aimed at promoting child safety by enforcing the 15 mph speed limit in school zones.

A 30-day warning period will follow the activation. During this time, drivers who exceed the speed limit in these zones will receive a $50 citation, allowing them to adjust their driving behavior without immediate financial penalties. The Chattanooga Police Department will monitor the operations of these cameras.

Camera Locations

The speed cameras will be placed in the following locations:

• Eastbound traffic on East Third Street at Stanley Street (near Orchard Knob Elementary)
• Westbound traffic on East Third Street at North Willow Street (near Orchard Knob Elementary)
• Northbound and Southbound traffic on North Moore Road at Brainerd High School

Reasons for Implementation

Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers stated that the main objective of the cameras is to enhance child safety, not to issue tickets. The introduction of these cameras is expected to encourage drivers to slow down in school zones, ultimately improving the safety of students and pedestrians.

Future Plans and Funding

The city is also exploring the possibility of adding more cameras in additional school zones based on both internal assessments and third-party traffic studies. To further enhance safety, five smart streetlights have been installed in school zones, equipped with real-time video coverage.

It’s important to note that these installation projects are funded through citation fees, so there is no direct cost to Chattanooga taxpayers concerning this initiative.

Support from Educational Leaders

Dr. Crystal Sorrells, executive principal at Brainerd High School, supports the installation of the cameras, raising concerns about student and pedestrian safety in the area as a driving force behind the initiative. The expectation is that the presence of the cameras will help foster a safer environment for students as they arrive and depart from school.

In summary, the activation of speed cameras in school zones represents a significant step toward addressing traffic concerns and enhancing the overall safety of children in Chattanooga.

FAQ

When will the traffic cameras be activated in Chattanooga?

The City of Chattanooga will activate traffic cameras at Orchard Knob Elementary and Brainerd High School on October 6.

What will happen during the 30-day warning period?

During the 30-day warning period, violators of the 15 mph speed limit in school zones will receive a $50 citation.

What is the purpose of the traffic cameras?

The cameras are installed to maintain school zone speed limits and are monitored by the Chattanooga Police Department, primarily to enhance child safety.

Where are the cameras located?

The cameras will be placed in the following locations:

• Eastbound traffic on East Third Street at Stanley Street (near Orchard Knob Elementary)
• Westbound traffic on East Third Street at North Willow Street (near Orchard Knob Elementary)
• Northbound and Southbound traffic on North Moore Road at Brainerd High School.

How are the installation projects funded?

The installation projects are funded through citation fees, meaning there is no direct cost to city taxpayers.

Key Features of the Speed Camera Initiative

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Additional Resources

• News Channel 9
• Wikipedia: Traffic citation
• Times Free Press
• Google Search: Chattanooga speed cameras
• Local 3 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic safety
• Chattanooga Pulse
• Google News: Chattanooga traffic safety

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.