Number of speed cams likely to rise -- in a flash

NEW CARROLLTON, Md. -- Attention Maryland drivers: Get ready to smile a lot more often for speed cameras.

A new state law kicks in Oct. 1 that allows the devices to be set up across the state. And plenty of local jurisdictions are already chomping at the bit to get speed camera programs in place.

The town of Cheverly will introduce legislation later this month to start a speed camera program.

In the city of Frederick, police say they are moving quickly to set up speed cameras.

"Every community meeting we go to, we hear complaints about speeding. They (speed cameras) are definitely a tool we want to put in place," Frederick police Capt. Kevin Grubb tells WTOP.

Likewise in the city of New Carrollton where the speed camera movement has a full head of steam.

"My goal is to have three mobile units," New Carrollton Police Chief David Rice tells WTOP.

Rice says the city is taxed with calls for service, and officers can not always be present to make sure drivers are obeying the speed limit. He says speed cameras will be an especially helpful tool in school zones.

"I would rather take the heat for having cameras in the city of New Carrollton now, than to take the heat for a child getting run over because we weren't there to stop the speeding from happening."

In May, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed a statewide speed camera bill that not only allows the devices in school zones, but also in highway work zones.

"The overriding goal of the speed camera program in construction work and school zones is not to catch speeders. It is to get drivers to slow down," O'Malley said.

Still, when talking about speed cameras, the debate will always be there: Cash cow or safety device.

"People can say that it is a money generator -- that is the biggest fight. But at the same time, it is being proactive instead of reactive," Rice said.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said in April that he was interested in starting a speed camera program.

Local jurisdictions will have to pass their own speed camera legislation. Right now, Montgomery County is the only county operating the devices.

Here are the rules that must be followed with the program:

• 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.)