Montgomery County MD is placing speed camera near most middle and elementary schools

The place certainly has changed since I left in '71.

My brother sent me an email story from the Washington Post today, about my old high school, Whitman, that is being protested on-site by some out of state Baptist church, because the historical Whitman might have been homosexual. Pretty weird. I'm not a big fan of red light cameras, but compared to whackos like that, the cameras are almost harmless (except to one's pocketbook).

GC

GC0110.. if you've never heard of the Westboro Baptist Church, you should look them up on the 'net. It's a shame they can call themselves either a church, or allege to represent Baptists, imo. If I'm not mistaken one or more of them owe a Maryland resident money from a civil judgment against them so I'm surprised they would enter the state.

AB- Where did you hear/see that info about the cameras in school zones? I haven't found it so far. I even checked the County Council site. Was it maybe in one of the towns like Gaithersburg or Chevy Chase? They do their own cameras I think.

Well if it's near schools, I'm for it!

I would be for speed cameras being installed near schools - I've seen cars "flying" through a school zone near home on more than one occasion through the past several years.

I wonder how they would control them though for time of day / day of week / children in area, etc.

Some streets have a speed limit of say 30 mph, but when it's a school day, with children present, the speed drops to 20, or in some schools maybe 15. How would they control a camera to coincide with these scenario's? Perhaps have the camera go off all the time, but only issue citations if certain qualifications are met? It could get complicated...

I do agree though, that school zones could be looked at, that would get my vote for safety. Especially since some towns are eliminating school crossing guards in an effort to cut budgets in these times. (I won't get into the fact that my mayor has two full time secretaries, but can't eliminate one of their positions because of union rules, so they eliminate the "part time" school crossing guards - Oh - too late, I just did.)

I live in Bethesda - thanks for this info.

JD4x4;
It is an observation. There has been 4 new speed cameras installed within 4 miles of my home. They are all next to schools on major roads. I did not see any policy notification but from their placements it is obvious. I have not seen any new speed camera installed that is in another location (not near a school). Now they also use the vans which you have to watch for and no POI will help. I do not condone speeding especially near schools but you can forget once in a while and get caught.
AB

for those interested and until the POI gets updated
speed cameras at:
8700 blk Tuckerman lane near Duryea Dr. going Northwest --- near hoover middle school

Seven locks rd between Democracy and Bradly going south - near the school

Democracy Blvd near the Library - I'll get the coordinate and post.
AB

Believe this eventually can replace speed bumps installed on many communities which also slow down emergency responding vehicles.

We all know installation, maintenance and operation of these cameras aren't free. With so many states in such a financial crunch I wonder how these projects are being funded and if they are expected to generate revenue.

(Just the conspiracy theorist in me)

$16 from each ticket will go to the company that provides, maintain and issue the tickets! There is a lot of money to be made. Most states do not own these machines. so no up front investment.

Should be easy - if the cameras are not able to do multiple speeds, then you only ticket at the 20 mph time. You would want to set the cameras on the same relay timers that activate the flashing yellow lights.

If they are just wanting you to "read" the signs that say from 8 to 8:15 and 9 to 9:30 and so forth, that is a little much as the signs are hard to read.

I do stuff like that all the time at work with no trouble.

Daniel

I keep my gps updated on all of them.

Thanks for the update, I will be there next week (love those cherry blossoms) and I will keep that in mind if the POI file doesn't show the new cameras.

Please send update or corrctions to william2chao@gmail.com

Please send update or corrctions to william2chao@gmail.com

I don't have much problem with speed cameras in school zone. If the real goal is kids safety, every one of these speed cameras should be advertised with signs:

"Warning: Speed Limit in school Zone is Photo enforced"

I'll check out the csv. Every little bit helps. These speed cameras are popping up every other day around here.

Yes, I just sent in two locations on Connecticut Ave in Kensington to Miss POI a few days ago.

Fred

Thanks for your vigilance from a fellow DC Metro resident.

It would make more sense if it's during school hours and not 24/7. Make more of a valid point for the safety of the kids then it is for making money.

-=-=-=-=-=-

There are many factors involved for having the cameras operational outside of the normal classroom school day.

You also should consider the population participation in after school activities, sports practice, rehersals, meetings, public use of facilities at night, nighttime parking lot rendezvous between students and teachers, etc.

Gary Hayman

then, change the speed limit that school hours 25mph, other time 50mph.
you can't stand if someone get pictured while others do not, with same speed "above" same speed limit.

SLOW DOWN SPEEDERS Can we use this pothole idea? --

http://bit.ly/fsy7e

Gary Hayman

I bet that motorcyclist in the last picture thought it was a real thrill to swerve around them.
Then again, maybe he was too busy dodging the cars that swerved into his lane.

Brilliant.