New Law Enforcement Cameras Arrive In Laurel
Cameras among 72 planned for Prince George’s County.
New cameras designed to catch speeders are being installed along roadways in South Laurel in an effort to slow down traffic in some neighborhoods.
Late last month, the county’s Department of Public Works and Transportation rolled out a pair of speed cameras along Route 197/Laurel Bowie Road on north and south bound lanes approaching Deerfield Run Elementary School.
Because the cameras sit in a school zone, an area designated for reduced speed, the cameras will began ticketing at 52 mph and only operate weekdays between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., according to Maj. Robert Liberati, a commander with the forensic division of the Prince George’s County Police. Drivers are warned by signage when approaching the cameras.
Last year, the Prince George’s County Council gave final approval for more than 70 cameras to be placed on local roadways. Liberati said Route 197 was chosen after a fatal accident occurred in November. Residents and Councilwoman Mary A. Lehman (D-Dist. 1) of Laurel petitioned for the camera.
“Believe it or not, we get more positive response than not,” Liberati said. “Cameras slow people down.”
Speed cameras have been a growing trend around the region. Howard County has made a push to roll out close to 100 mobile cameras in its roadways. The City of Laurel has also installed mobile speed cameras. In Baltimore County, speed cameras were torched by vandals in Catonsville.
Liberati said the cameras along Route 197 are mobile and the county generally moves them to another location after three months.
“The objective is to slow people down, once that’s achieved [we can move the cameras],” he said.
BigDan
6:41 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
Cameras do not slow people down overall. If I'm the only one around I set the cruise control at just 10 above the limit until I pass the camera. Then I floor it and go much faster to make up for the lost time. And before you say "well a cop is going to get you down the road." NOPE! That's what a radar detector is for.
I hope all these illegal cameras get torched like the one in Catonsville.
Good! I hope they all get torched. I'm sick of garbage things like this all in the name of "safety". If it's about safety why don't you start cracking down on alcohol? Hmmm? How about this: Hold bars that overserve patrons accountable. Make them find out who the DD is or if the patrons are planning on walking/taking a taxi home.
It's not about safety, it's about money.
People are ok with TSA agents sticking a finger up their rear all in the name of "safety"...people are ok with illegal speed cameras (I HAVE THE RIGHT TO FACE MY ACCUSER. A CAMERA IS NOT A PERSON. JUDGES HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WHEN THEY FORCE PEOPLE TO PAY THESE TICKETS BECAUSE THEY WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT) because they think it's about safety. Hey guess what? Cars are being equipped with GPS devices that track the car all the time...I'd like to see how many of you pro camera jerks are still going to be talking about "safety" everytime your car reports you going 1 mph above the speed limit. Big Brother needs to DIE.
Mark Buckley
8:01 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
BigDan,
Thanks for your inspired words, what kind of Timothy McVeigh alter do you have in your house?
Joshua Garner
8:30 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Those are some strong words Dan. What do you think should be done as an alternative to reduce speeds in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic?
John Floyd II
10:06 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
"I'd like to see how many of you pro camera jerks are still going to be talking about "safety" everytime your car reports you going 1 mph above the speed limit." Dan, if you re-read the article in a less-agitated state of mind, it's stated quite clearly that the camera will not activate unless a vehicle is travelling at 52 mph or greater. Anybody who drives that quickly along Route 197 in a school zone bloody well ought to be ticketed, either by a machine or a live constable. Such blatant scofflaws will have ample opportunity to "face their accuser" in court.
jennifer
11:56 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Cameras are the NEW money making strategy for the counties now! It is highway robbery! I hope they all get vandalized!
MRicks
12:51 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Agree 100% with John Floyd II
In front of Laurel HS I got 2 speed camera tickets, paid them and learned my lesson to slow down. Yes, I do not like to part w/ my money this way but the laws must be obeyed.
Debbie Y.
3:24 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012
Though they might slow some of us down, we quickly learn where they are, slow down there, and then go our regular speed elsewhere. For me at least, I almost never go 10 miles over the speed limit, maybe 15 if in a hurry and everyone else around me is going 15 over. Frankly, it's hard to go the speed limiit when everyone behind and around you is getting annoyed and on the verge of road rage to get past you. I wonder if more accidents might be caused by THAT scenario than by someone going 5 or 6 miles over the speed limit. Also, it is frustrating to get multiple tickets for going 1 or 2 miles over the 10-mile-over limit, when often drivers are whipping around me, doing 20-30 and more over the limit, doing truly stupid and dangerous things. I hope they are getting as many or more tickets as I am. 3 in less than 3 months at $40-$60 a pop is a little ridiculous!! Speed cameras potentially a good idea, but there are too many and I can't help but think the main goal is to take OUR money not already taken with ridiculous taxes in yet another way!!!
Marty Bass
1:25 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012
These speed cameras are just the tip of the iceberg! I've gotten 2 tickets and paid them off immediately. But, these picture taking, high priced, robocops are too intrusive. Are the photos disposed of after a period of time? What determines where these things are placed (I've seen a few in my area where placement was just ridiculously stupid)? I don't mind the implementation of preventive measures when necessary, but is this really necessary? Are there feasibility reports? What's next coming from big brother?.Sorry, but I'm totally in disagreement with this. Money grab for short. We need to have a serious petition against this. Ummh, with these cameras, will we need fewer traffic officers (now that could be a positive money saving point). Probably not :(......