Atlanta city council backs surcharge on traffic tickets

ATLANTA - Another Georgia municipality is considering adding a surcharge on speeding tickets.

The Atlanta City Council approved the resolution Tuesday. The proposal is similar to a ticket surcharge approved by the Holly Springs city council on Monday.

Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin said motorists cited for speeding, DUI or other traffic offenses could pay a surcharge of $10 to $15 that would be added to a fine.

Martin said a ticket surcharge could raise as much as $500 million annually and help offset the city's $140 million budget shortfall.

The resolution still must be signed by Mayor Shirley Franklin.