1-31-2024 9:32pm

COUNTY VOTING ON

There are 36 speed cameras already in operation in school zones. New laws many add many more and not necessarily only near schools. Critics called it a money-grab for local cash-strapped governments.

HB 58 will allow Baltimore County government officials to put speed cameras on nearly every street in the county. This will remove any checks and balances from the Maryland General Assembly. Baltimore County can currently install at least 636 speed cameras within a half mile of the public or private school zones.

Currently Baltimore County must bring the placement of speed monitoring devices outside of specific school zones to the State Legislature for statutory approval. This bill enables our local government to make these decisions directly if they choose to do so to protect the safety of our constituents. Montgomery County and Prince Georges County and Anne Arundel County all made these changes in the last 2 years to provide more local control in these decisions.

SAFE SPEED AUTOMATED ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Baltimore County uses speed cameras to encourage motorists to slow down in school zones where traffic data and citizen complaints show that speeding is a problem.

The use of speed cameras in Maryland—called the Safe Speed Automated Enforcement Program—was authorized by the Maryland General Assembly under Maryland Transportation Article 21-809. The Baltimore County Council passed legislation, Baltimore County-Bill 61-09

, in 2009 authorizing the use of 15 speed cameras in school zones. In 2011, the Baltimore County Council amended this legislation, Bill 1-11, to allow additional cameras.

The Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD) supports speed cameras because they enhance public safety. Every day, citizens demand safe streets in Baltimore County, especially for the benefit of children. Speed cameras are an effective tool for slowing motorists.

SPEED CAMERA LOCATIONS

Cameras may be added or moved at the discretion of the Police Chief based on a review of traffic data, citizen complaints and a location's accident history. All speed camera zones are marked with signage.

HOURS OF OPERATION

In compliance with state law, Baltimore County's speed cameras operate Monday through Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Speed cameras remain in use during these hours throughout the summer months and on other weekdays when school is not in session. The need for motorists to drive carefully in school zones exists even when schools are not in session because school sites are used for summer school, recreation and parks activities, summer athletics and other child-oriented activities.

WARNINGS AND CITATIONS

During the first 30 days after a camera is activated, motorists exceeding the speed limit by at least 12 miles per hour (mph) will receive warnings rather than citations.

After a speed camera has been in place for 30 days, citations will be issued to motorists traveling at least 12 mph over the speed limit.

Tickets generated by speed camera violations carry a $40 fine; no license points are assigned because these are civil violations. Vehicle insurance providers are not notified of speed camera citations. You may pay online, in person or by mail; the options are included on the violation notice.