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Maryland bill allowing speed cameras in work zones moves to governor

The Maryland House approved a bill allowing speed cameras to be posted in highway construction zones throughout the state. The vote clears the way for the legislation to advance to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association voiced concern about focusing solely on the speed of vehicles in work zones to solve safety worries.

With the backing of Gov. Martin O’Malley, House lawmakers voted 94-41 to endorse authorizing the cameras in works zones on expressways and controlled-access highways throughout the state where the speed limit is at least 45 mph. The Senate already approved it.

The enforcement tool also would be authorized in school zones.

According to state figures, there were 34 fatalities in work zones during the most recent five-year period – compared to 28 in the previous five-year period. Injuries rose from 4,295 to 4,741 in the same two periods.

The automated cameras snap pictures of vehicles traveling over the posted speed limit. A ticket is mailed to the vehicles’ owners, regardless of who was driving at the time.

Currently, Montgomery County is the only place in the state that cameras are permitted. The enforcement tool can be used on streets in school zones or with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

The statewide bill – SB277 – would hand out fines up to $40 to the registered owners of vehicles caught on camera traveling at least 12 mph in excess of the speed limit. The governing body of a jurisdiction would have to approve the cameras.

Profit that any jurisdiction receives from camera-generated tickets would be limited to 10 percent of the town or county’s total revenue. That money could be used solely for local safety programs. Anything left would be routed into the state’s general fund.

Supporters say the speed cameras encourage compliance with the law and save lives by reducing collisions.

Opponents say speed cameras are an unwarranted intrusion. Others question the claim that cameras are solely intended to keep people safe.

Todd Spencer, OOIDA’s executive vice president, said the state of Maryland would be better served to focus their attention on other aspects of driving in work zones rather than focusing solely on speeding.

“Speeding in work zones isn’t what actually causes accidents. Driving carelessly or recklessly is what causes accidents. That is where the focus of enforcement should be,” Spencer told Land Line.

Spencer also said it is unrealistic to build speed cameras up to be a “catch-all” for highway safety.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Maryland in 2009, click here .


Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected] .