New Law Enforcement Cameras Arrive In Laurel

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 . 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 in its roadways. The City of Laurel has also installed mobile speed cameras. In Baltimore County,  

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.