Durham lawmakers want to use traffic cameras to catch school-zone speeders

Durham lawmakers are proposing a unique way to crack down on drivers who speed, using electronic monitors and cameras outside schools.

Going even 3mph over the speed limit could land you a big ticket.

Going even 3 mph over the speed limit could land someone a big ticket.

Speeding in a school zone already comes with a hefty fine. If the bill passes, some Durham schools would have electronic monitors and cameras as a part of a three-year pilot program to make sure drivers are held accountable if they speed.

Chris Krudysz, a local parent, thinks the bill is a good idea – especially because the money collected from the $250 fine would go back to the Durham Public Schools system.

"I think it makes sense. If it does fund the schools, then it does benefit the schooling system, I’m happy with it," said Krudysz.

Sponsor Rep. Zack Hawkins, D-Durham, said city leaders came up with the idea, and he's optimistic the bill will pass.

Hawkins said everyone has, at some point, seen another person speeding in a school zone. He said he hopes this new bill could solve that problem.

"The way this would work is, if you're caught by one of those cameras, you would get a photo in the mail that would show your car and your license plate," he said.

The bill passed its first committee vote unanimously this week, but it still has a long road ahead to become law.