Speed cameras coming to Prince George's in January

WASHINGTON -- Lights, camera, tickets. In Prince George's County, that will soon be the case for many speeders.

With speed cameras now allowed in school zones and highway work zones across the entire state of Maryland, Prince George's County says it is ready to get its own program up and running.

"We are to implement by January 2010," County Council member Tony Knotts tells WTOP. "Now Prince George's County has an opportunity to protect its citizens."

The new statewide speed camera bill took effect at the beginning of the month. Previously, Montgomery County was the only jurisdiction in the state allowed to operate a speed camera program.

For Knotts, he says it is purely an issue of safety.

"School zones in Prince George's County, if you go to the southern portion of the county, most of the schools are over 50 years old. And so their frontage is close to main roads. The protection of those kids is vital.

"If you are going to bring awareness to individuals who find the need to be someplace faster today than they were yesterday by speeding, then we have to slow them up. If it means hitting them in their pockets, then that's fine," says Knotts.

Localities within Prince George's County, including Berwyn Heights, Bowie, Cheverly, District Heights, New Carrollton and Riverdale Heights, have expressed interest in setting up their own speed camera programs. The governments in those localities would be responsible for approving and setting up the program on their own, separate from the county.

Under Maryland's new law:

• Speed cameras can only be placed within a one-half mile radius around a school and may only be operational from Monday through Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

• Speed cameras cannot be used on major bridges and tunnels.

• A citation may only be issued if driver is going at least 12 mph faster than the speed limit.

• Conspicuous signs must be posted to give drivers adequate notice.

• Upon implementation of the program, a 30-day warning period is required before any tickets are given.

• Fines cannot exceed $40. The District Court will set the specific amount.

• Localities can only keep an amount of net revenue not greater than 10 percent of their operating budget. The rest must be turned over to the Comptroller.

• For three years, net revenues collected from fines generated by speed cameras in work zones will go to an account for state police roadside enforcement activities.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)