My take (so far) on speed cameras

OK, so I've been following this whole speed camera in HoCo debate closely.  This recent article by Larry Carson of the Sun fishwrap covered the recent public hearing on the proposal.

One thing I am wondering about the speed camera proposal.  What serious problem is implementing speed cameras solving that couldn't be solved any other way?  And yes, I get what problem speed cameras are being proposed to solve.  I'm not THAT stupid.  But if, as Chief McMahon claims, the speed cameras would be doing the work of so many police officers, why aren't police officers being deployed for speed enforcement in greater numbers already?  In this county, where the police are so strongly supported by local administration, I can't imagine the resources wouldn't be there to support the Department...if speed enforcement was such a problem.

I believe I have said this before, but I really have to be leery of whether or not this proposal is a safety proposal or a revenue enhancement proposal.

I was once in an accident where I was in a stopped car that was rear-ended by a speeder who couldn't stop in time.  I was lucky to suffer minimal injuries.  I realize that a lot of people struck by speeders aren't so lucky.

But before I'm ready to get 100% behind speed cameras, I think I'd like to know more about how and where these cameras would specifically be used.  I'd like to know more about how this fits into the county's law enforcement plan on speed control, not just told how important it is.  I get that speed cameras can be an important tool.  But if I were a Council member, I'd like to know how that tool would be used before it was given out.

Comments

[Leslie from Columbia]

If the fact that there "might" be a speed camera somewhere causes people to slow down and observe the speed limit, what is wrong with that? Not too many years ago, there was a rash of bad accidents at MD 175 and Thunder Hill Road. A red-light camera was installed. Very quickly, people stopped running the red light and accidents decreased. I see the same dynamic taking place with speed cameras. And if the county collects a few dollars from those breaking the law, that's a nice side benefit!

On a related issue, store owners and the City of Baltimore use cameras all the time. Thanks to the excellent photos of the thieves taken by the cameras at the Mall, the perpetrators were quickly apprehended after the robbery at Edward Arthur Jewelers. Just yesterday, thanks to street cameras, the city police arrested a guy who had murdered TWO people in 24 hours. Aren't we glad those cameras were in use?

I think the whole "big brother is watching" thing is a red herring. If having cameras, be it speed, red light, or just for observation keeps the community safer in any way, they aren't a bad thing. Everyone will just have to start behaving themselves.

[Jon]

What are the speed cameras going to do that a speed bump can't? All I've heard against speed bumps is that they slow down ambulances.

But speed bumps don't engender public resentment, and they don't send people $40 bills. They don't need software updates, lens calibration and cleaning, or new tires. They don't need licensing fees, daily processing costs, or postage line-items.

[Leslie from Columbia]

Putting a speed bump on a 55 mile per hour limited access highway, or even a 35 mile per hour minor arterial is just not possible.

I do not think it is unreasonable to expect people to drive the speed limit in school zones, but people regularly exceed those limits. I DO think it is unreasonable to expect a police presence daily at problematic school sites for the purpose of issuing speeding tickets. Cameras, in my opinion, are an economical way to safely enforce traffic laws. Collecting fines pays for the software updates, lens calibrations, daily processing costs and postage line-items that worry you so much.

[SharonRG]

Interesting that in the 10+ years that I have been taking my kids to school at Hammond Elementary School & Hammond Middle School there has NEVER been a crossing guard or even a police officer to assist kids crossing streets or control speeding. Imagine my surprise when this morning there were 2 Howard County Police Officers with a radar gun on the main road to the school. My guess is they are putting together a case for a speed camera when the HoCo Govt has apparently never considered this area to be an issue before. I think HoCo is seeing $$$$ signs -- not safety -- first.

[Lisa of Columbia]

Dear ones, It's all about revenue, not safety. They have already written their projected revenue stream from speed cameras into the budget....after the lion's share goes to the politically appointed camera manufacturer...and they are forcing the vote through tonight...late tonight...as the last item of business....stay awake, show up, and be vocal! Remember to vote them out of office if they vote for Bill 13-2011 Speed Cameras in Howard County! We get the government we deserve if we don't.
An actual police presence in a school zone will not just keep the children safe from speeding cars and possible drunk drivers, but also deter sexual predators, drug dealers, and other crimes against these school children. The presence of a camera in place of a police officer announces "No one is watching these children. There is no authority here." Sheep without a shepherd.

[Lisa of Columbia]

BTW, tonight's meeting is at the Howard County Council Chambers in Ellicott City:
George Howard Building
3430 Courthouse Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
tel: (410) 313-2001
fax: (410) 313-3297
web: www.co.ho.md.us/CountyCouncil/CC_HomePage.html