Laurel Police Deploy Fake Speed Cameras

City of Laurel officials have set up a pair of fake speed cameras around town to encourage drivers to slow down, NBC4 reports.

The "decoy boxes" look just like the real article from the outside, but they lack a functioning camera on the inside and can't be used to issue tickets.

Maryland law makes it difficult to place speed cameras outside of school zones, but Laurel Police Chief Richard McLaughlin told NBC4 that the decoys can have a deterrent effect.

"People have a tendency—once they see these boxes, and they realize this could be a speed camera—they slow down," McLaughlin said.

If the plan works, more fake cameras could be deployed in the future.

Check out the full story and segment from NBC4.

What do you think of the fake cameras? Are they a clever enforcement strategy or an overreach? Let us know in the comments.