Weighing speed cameras around schools
There's a lively debate going on today on the Maryland Politics blog about legislation likely to be adopted by the General Assembly that would allow speed cameras around Maryland schools. The legislation would permit cameras to be installed within a half-mile of any school (or highway work zone with a speed limit of 45 mph or higher), and anyone going 12 mph over the speed limit or more would be fined $40. The vehicle's registered owner would get the citation in the mail.
Most of the commenters on the politics blog oppose the idea, but I wonder if some of you here might feel differently, if you've seen firsthand the perils of speeding drivers in school zones -- and understanding the need to raise more local revenue. (The money from the fines wouldn't go directly to schools, though.)
UPDATE: In a surprise reversal, the Senate rejected the speed camera bill.
UPDATE, 4/2: The bill was brought back to life.
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
I didn't think any school zones had limits at 45 mph or higher. It seems to me that is an empty part of the bill.
Posted by: Tom | April 1, 2009 4:13 PM
Please put cameras up -- less police inforcing the speed limits between cameras...
I promise I will be the one speeding to the camera - slamming on my breaks before the camera to progress slowly thru the camera area, and speeding off after the camera...
Once I know where the camera is...
Its a money grab - why are the kids in the street at the school???? Kids like adults must learn that there are bounderies...
Posted by: Ed | April 1, 2009 5:07 PM
Why is it a money grab when its a camera as opposed to a person? If you speed you get a ticket...bottom line. We all know that certain laws are enforced at certain times for revenue. Everything from parking violations to code violations. I think this is definately needed because as I drive throughout the city, I have witnessed excessive speeding around schools almost daily. Kids will be kids. They play, they chase each other and some simply do not pay attention. Safety first is the mantra of many organizations and should be for the streets around our schools.
I hope Old Harford Road, near Hamilton Middle gets the first camera.
Posted by: Ekwaun | April 1, 2009 11:02 PM
I love the idea that by putting up cameras people would be slamming on their brakes around them - perfect solution. Falls Rd. is a disaster and has been since I went to Western 30 years ago - I had a classmate killed crossing Falls to catch a bus. While we're at it, there are many transfer points that aren't all that close to schools where tons of kids are congregating and crossing the road. Let's put some cameras there too - I'm thinking Harford at Moravia, Moravia at Belair, Woodbourne at The Alameda, Sinclair and Moravia...those are the ones I see every day on my drive to work with tons of speeders and tons of jaywalking kids. I'm sure there are more in other parts of the city. Give out some tickets and make sure you earmark the money to help fund the schools since the state seems to be unwilling to keep it's Thorton funding promises.
Posted by: a parent | April 2, 2009 10:44 AM
Sounds good-- safety!
I rarely see (meaning, almost never) Baltimore Police radaring-- too busy with murder and theft!
Posted by: Voice | April 3, 2009 2:56 PM