Austell police to buy license plate readers

Through the use of 13 new license plate readers, Austell police plan to catch people who are dumping tires, mattresses and other debris illegally or who have stolen vehicles. AJC file photo

Through the use of 13 new license plate readers, Austell police plan to catch people who are dumping tires, mattresses and other debris illegally or who have stolen vehicles. AJC file photo

Several license plate readers will be purchased by the Austell Police Department.

The Austell City Council voted 3-2 recently to buy 10 cameras from Georgia Power.

Opposed were Councilwomen Valerie Anderson and Sandra Leverette.

Anderson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution she needed “more information” while Leverette told the AJC she had “my own personal reasons” and declined to elaborate.

In favor were Councilmen Randy Green, Marlin Lamar and Scott Thomas.

Funding will come from the General Fund at $5,080 per month.

In a related manner, the Council voted 5-0 to buy three more license plate readers from Georgia Power at $1,690 per month from the city’s Contingency Fund.

For six months, these cameras will be set up at Dr. Luke Glenn Garrett Memorial Highway and C. H. James Parkway (U.S. Highway 278) and “other dumping areas,” Austell Police Chief Bob Starrett said.