Howard could become the second county in the state to use cameras to enforce speed limits.
“We have the technology right now to save the lives of motorists and the lives of officers,” said state Sen. James Robey, D-District 13, who is pushing local legislation for the cameras.
The devices would be posted on streets with a maximum speed limit of 45 mph and could result in a $75 fine, according to the proposal.
Montgomery County started using speed cameras earlier this year, and Robey said he wants to pursue the proposal statewide.
In Howard, the County Council would have toapprove a measure granting the use of cameras if the county is given state authorization.
Robey?s bill mirrors legislation for red-light cameras, he said, since violations don?t include points on a driver?s license. Speeders would receive the violation in the mail and have a chance to dispute the ticket in court.
“I am sure there will be arguments against it,” he said, adding some nay-sayers claim it?s too intrusive.
To that, Robey said the alternative to a camera is a police officer stopping the car, searching it and asking questions.
“What?s more intrusive?” he said.
However, it?s that interaction state Sen. Allan Kittleman, R-District 9, said is more effective in traffic stops. For example, an officer can check for warrants, he said.
“A lot can be done by an officer that can?t be done by a camera,” he said.
Del. Gail Bates, R-District 9A, who lobbied for red-light cameras, said she hesitates to support speed cameras, because they treat speeding like a parking violation, ticketing the owner of the car rather than the driver.
“It doesn?t impact the one who is making the violations,” she said.
Del. Elizabeth Bobo, D-District 12B, said although she doesn?t know all the details yet, “it sounds like a good idea to me.”
The state delegation will hear public testimony on this and several other local measures Nov. 29.
AT A GLANCE
Montgomery police began ticketing speeders in May in areas with speed limits of 35 mph or less. The $40 fines were given to drivers traveling more than 10 miles over the limit.
Source: Montgomery police
