Commissioners took another step in making our community accessible for everyone. During the Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 17, Commissioners unanimously approved allocating $50,000 from revenue from school speed zone camera citations to purchase 10 audible pedestrian signals.
“This is something we have needed for a while,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “I’m glad we all agree that it’s worth funding to make sure there is accessibility in our community.”
These audible pedestrian signals will go in locations throughout Downtown, since it has the highest level of pedestrian density. While these funds will purchase 10 signals, the hope is to purchase more in the future.
“Accessibility is a key part of building a safer, more inclusive community,” said Macon-Bibb County Traffic Safety Manager Weston Stroud. “These audible pedestrian signals will make a real difference for our visually impaired neighbors and help ensure our streets are usable for everyone.”
Since the County began collecting fines from drivers speeding more than 10 mph over the limit near schools, that revenue has been allocated to a variety of projects that improve safety for both students and the community, including:
- Salary increases for public safety employees
- School Resource Officer and crossing guard salaries
- Crosswalk installations and upgrades
- Flock, Verkada, and Adapt to Solve cameras to aid criminal investigations
- Knox Boxes to give deputies and firefighters access to schools during emergencies
- School zone flashing lights as additional warning systems
- Public safety vehicles and other essential equipment