Oh-Oh - Speed Cameras for Baltimore ?
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I just read this little article about Speed Cameras being considered for Baltimore City.
Quote:"BALTIMORE -- City officials want to seek permission from the General Assembly to install cameras to catch drivers speeding in neighborhoods.
In a report released Tuesday, a city-appointed Task Force on Traffic Calming and Pedestrian-Friendliness included a recommendation to use radar cameras to photograph speeders' license plates and issue fines by mail.
The report suggests putting cameras near schools, recreation centers, parks and churches.
"We need it in the city because speeding is getting out of hand," Mayor Sheila Dixon said at a news conference. "Folks have to realize we have laws to follow."
According to statistics, four out of every 10 fatal crashes occur where the speed limit is 35 or less.
Critics charge such cameras do little to improve safety and would infringe on privacy. Some have also raised questions about their accuracy, although the citations have generally held up to judges' scrutiny when challenged in court, according to Maryland legislative analysts.
"I think it's frustrating, because it's really the best evidence that a traffic violation is being committed. And I think people are frustrated when they get caught when they thought nobody was watching them," said Prof. Michael Greenberger, of the University of Maryland School of Law.
The legislature approved the use of such cameras for Montgomery County in 2005, returning in January 2006 to override a veto by then-Gov. Robert Ehrlich.
Greenberger said a person's right to appeal the camera ticket is the same as if a police officer gave them a ticket.
Gov. Martin O'Malley is open to the idea of speed cameras for Baltimore, said spokesman Rick Abbruzzese.
"With proper oversight, these cameras can serve a public safety and homeland security purpose as well," Abbruzzese said.": Unquote
Tim
I guess that their multiple
I guess that their multiple red light cameras in the city are not making them enough money. The article fails to mention that the state and city are having some finacial issues and are looking at anything to balance their budgets.
Any other states?
Are there any other cities or states in the US that currently have speed cameras?
Northern VA does. I ran
Northern VA does. I ran across about 7 of them this past friday.
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Scottsdale, AZ
Are there any other cities or states in the US that currently have speed cameras?
Though it's an ongoing controversy given that the cameras are on state highway, but installed and administered by the city of Scottsdale (and revenue going to them).
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rockville, MD
rockville, MD has speed cams too.
Evil things
So far, I don't think there are any in the Southern California area. I know they experimented with one back in the late-80s (I seem to recall that it South Pasadena), but for various reasons they did not hold up in court.
I know it is only a matter of time...after all, Mother California has mouths to feed.
These are pure evil as far as I'm concerned, and serve one purpose: to separate you from your money.
DC Speed Cams
I've read a lot abou tthe baltimore speed cameras. it sounds like there are certain parts of the city that "need" them. i know DC has them, and no matter how long they've been there, we still seem to get caught. any idea if there's been progression on this decision?
Some speeding camera in DC
Some speeding camera in DC are on undercover cop car which can be move from place to place so it is hard to pin point where they are...
figures
that makes me feel better, that at least i'm not just forgetting where the cameras are. i wonder what will end up happening in bmore - i know they're saying northern parkway will be one of the first places to get em, if they decide to go that route. they've been talking about it for a while though so who knows.
Speed cams in NoVa
I would be really surprised if what you saw were speed cameras in northern Virginia. While they are popping up all over across the Potomac in Maryland, they have not yet been authorized for use in Virginia.
Red light cams were re-authorized last year and are just starting to reappear but it would take an act of the legislature to approve any speed cameras and I am pretty sure that they haven't done that yet.
DC travelling speed camera
I got a ticket from that traveling speed camera. You would see a cop car on the side of the road and then the camera is set up on a stand in front of the car. There are no points off your license since they can't prove who was driving, but it is a $50 ticket
They like to use it on 295 when the speed limit drops down to something ridiculous like 45 mph through DC
260W Nuvi
speed camera vs. speed bump
if speed camera can make speed bump go away, that would be wonderful.
speed bump compared with speed camera, just like stone age smoke vs. internet, in terms of passing messages.