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St. Marlo Community HOA Statement

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — “St Marlo, like many other gated communities in metro Atlanta, has adopted reasonable rules and regulations for vehicular traffic on the private streets in the community.  The goal is to ensure the safety of its residents and guests using the Association’s streets.  St Marlo uses radar to assist with the enforcement of its traffic rules.  Its security staff is trained in the use of the radar equipment and the equipment is maintained and calibrated following the general protocol used by law enforcement.  Reasonable fines are imposed against those who violate the traffic regulations.    Traffic stops are voluntary and the drivers are informed of the violation, given a chance to see the radar reading and are handed the citation.   Those that do not stop are mailed the citation with an explanation. The Georgia Court of Appeals has held that an association has the right to restrict and regulate traffic on its private roads, including the issuance of citations and the use of radar.  The appellate court recognized that restrictive covenants may set forth the rights of an association to govern the use of its private roads so long as the exercise of such rights by an Association does not violate public policy.  The traffic rules and citation protocol adopted in St Marlo are reasonable and do not violate public policy.   The vast majority of residents in St Marlo appreciate the traffic rules, recognize the need for them and respect them.  Most residents agree that the safety and well-being of our residents and guests is a valued asset and helps make St Marlo a wonderful place to live and to raise a family.”