The motorcycle unit was established in 2006 to patrol the interstates surrounding Metro Atlanta.

While many patrol cars will be parked in order to save gas during the coming holiday travel rush, the motorcycle troopers will be out in full force.

State patrol spokesman Gordy Wright says that’s because the unit is funded through tickets.

"Citations written by the motorcycle unit, a portion of the fines go back to that unit for the maintenance and operation of the motorcycles."

Citations written by other state law enforcement agencies go to the city or county where the citation is written.

The Georgia Association of Police Chiefs told Creative Loafing newspaper the motorcycle unit’s funding mechanism is bad for public perception because people might think tickets are written for the wrong reasons.

Tags: budget cuts, Georgia State Patrol, holiday travel, Gordy Wright, motorcycle unit