Speed camera bill passes Senate

The Maryland Senate voted to approve the use of speed cameras in highway work zones and school zones across the state, as members of the House of Delegates argued that the proposal could evolve from a safety measure to a cash cow.

The Senate on Tuesday approved speed cameras as long as local jurisdictions allow them, reduced a proposed fine from $75 to $40 and exempted volunteer rescue workers en route to an emergency. The proposal must now receive House approval, but it met resistance from Republican leaders who said their localities indicated the cameras could become an important source of public safety revenue.