Del. Lafferty calls for public meetings on speed cameras

By Bryan P. Sears
Posted: July 23, 2009

State Del. Steve Lafferty is calling on county officials to hold public meetings to explain how speed camera legislation will be implemented in the county.

Lafferty, a Democrat and supporter of speed cameras, said “it is incumbent upon the county to use (the meetings) as an educational session.”

“I’ve not heard from any community that doesn’t feel (speed cameras) will be a valuable tool if used correctly,” said Lafferty, who represents the 42nd District including Towson, Lutherville-Timonium and part of Pikesville.

State legislators passed a law authorizing each county to implement speed cameras in work and school zones. Tickets would carry no points but would have a fine of $40. (You can read about the details here.)

The state law requires each county to pass legislation authorizing the use of the cameras. County Executive Jim Smith and police Chief Jim Johnson said they hope to have the legislation passed when the law goes into effect on Oct. 1.

In order to do that, a bill would likely have to be introduced at the council’s Aug. 3 legislative session and require five votes to implement faster than the typical 45-days prescribed by the County Charter.

Lafferty said “there’s a lot of misinformation out there and a lot of people don’t fully understand the law,” and “no one has been told what the criteria will be used in siting the cameras.”

The delegate said he sent a letter to Smith and Council Chairman Joseph Bartenfelder requesting the meetings. So far, he’s had no response, Lafferty said.

Lafferty said he’d like to see at least three meetings — one in the eastern, western and central areas of the county.

“I just don’t think having one 3 p.m. meeting at the council work session does it,” Lafferty said. “Even having one meeting in advance of filing the legislation would be welcome.”

Should the county or county council hold public meetings before filing speed camera legislation? Should the county implement the cameras at all? What do you think?

Comment on this entry • View all 3 responses

user photoradarscam says...

I hope that people in the county demand that all sites be studied by traffic engineers and evaluated to see what the root cause of the safety issues are so that the root safety causes can be truly addressed. If yellow light timing is too short, then adding a camera isn't going to help. If speed limit signage isn't adequate, or if speed limits are too low, then throwing up a camera won't help that either. PEOPLE - Your elected officials ARE NOT TRAFFIC ENGINEERS. They are not qualified to make decisions about improving road safety. This is all about MONEY. If it was about safety, they'd call the engineers and ask for a REAL solution.

Posted 1:08 AM, 07.24.09

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user photoradarscam says...

To add to my post - enforcement isn't the answer - natural compliance through engineering measures is!

Posted 1:09 AM, 07.24.09

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user davidmarks1 says...

There absolutely needs to be public input on the use of these cameras.

Posted 10:43 AM, 07.24.09

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