Showing posts with label Law Order Traffic Speed Cameras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Law Order Traffic Speed Cameras. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Westminster turns off pair of red light cameras, saying they've done their job

Westminster turns off pair of red light cameras, saying they've done their job

Carroll Eagle – Jim Joyner: Westminster turns off pair of red light cameras, saying they've done their job

Westminster turns off pair of red light cameras, saying they've done their job

But police will maintain camera at Nursery Road, where violations are high



The City of Westminster this week pulled the plug on a pair of red light cameras at one of the county's busiest intersections — at routes 140 and 97 — saying the cameras had, by and large, done their job in helping reduce accidents and red light runners.

"You do what you say you're going to do," said Maj. Ron Stevens of the Westminster Police Department regarding the removal of the cameras, which was approved by the Westminster Common Council on Monday.

"We said all along that the cameras were needed because of safety issues," Stevens said. "They've definitely worked — people are much more aware of the dangers of the intersection."

But the department will continue to operate another red light camera a block away at Route 97 and Nursery Road, based on data that shows continued high rates of violations on that stretch of road.

It's the second time that Westminster has reduced its use of red light cameras since it first installed five of the devices in spring 2010.

[…]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/ph-ce-red-lights-0715-20120711,0,1274939.story Law Order Traffic Red Light Cameras, Law Order Traffic Speed Cameras, Westminster Police Chief Spaulding-Jeff, Westminster Police, Westminster Police Traffic Safety, Traffic Westminster,


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Friday, March 12, 2010

Sykesville Police Department Speed Camera Fact Sheet

The Sykesville Police Department has released a fact sheet on the Automated Speed Camera Program

March 11, 2010

In a related story, see: “Sykesville resident leads attempt to repeal speed camera ordinance,” 338 signatures needed to force issue to referendum
Posted 3/10/10 by Eldersburg Eagle, Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/03/sykesville-police-department-speed.html Labels: Carroll Co Dist Sykesville, Carroll Co Dist Sykesville council, Carroll Co Dist Sykesville Police, Law Order Traffic Speed Cameras http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/307569.html

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Below is a Fact Sheet on the Automated Speed Camera Program we hope will assist in answering questions in reference to the projected project.

Over the past decade, the Town of Sykesville has been faced with the chronic problem of speeding motorists. In fact, speeding in and around our community has been, and continues to be, our Town residents’ number one complaint.

In an effort to curb speeding, the Town has utilized a number of means and methods. Some of the means and methods have included the following (not in any particular order):

Enhanced educational material in Town newsletters outlining the dangers of speeding and reminding motorists to slow down.

Periodic newsflashes via email reminding motorists to slow down

Extensive discussions with concerned citizens during Mayor and Town Council meetings about speeding in specific areas of town.

Periodic flyers distributed to the community reminding residents to slow down,

Construction of speed humps in high-speed areas.

Installation of rumble strips in areas of concern.

The use of a “Your Speed Is” sign in strategic locations that shows the motorists the speed they are traveling.

Parking of unmanned police vehicles in high-speed areas.

Increased enforcement through the use of radar.

The design of narrower streets in some of our new subdivisions

Retaining narrower streets in older parts of town.

Additional signage along town roadways warning motorists about speed enforcement and pedestrian safety.

Unfortunately, while some of these methods have temporarily reduced speeding, none have proven effective in changing motorist behavior over the long term. One of the most effective means has historically been increased enforcement through the use of radar. Given limited staffing levels and the need to respond to the increasing number of other calls for service, even this approach has proven ineffective over the long term.

On February 22nd, 2010, after extensive discussion at several public meetings and two formal public hearings, the Mayor and Town Council approved an Ordinance to allow the use of speed cameras within our community. This was made possible due to Senate Bill 277 that went into effect October 1st, 2009.

The objective of the program is to (1) effectively reduce speeding on our Town streets and roads, (2) increase pedestrian and motorist safety, and (3) shift more of the increasing cost of the need for our police to enforce our speeding laws to those who are breaking our speeding laws. This law allows for the placement of speed monitoring systems in school zones from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The respective areas will be sign posted and the locations will be listed on the Town’s website (http://www.sykesville.net/), as well as in public newspapers. The first 30 days of this program will serve as a “warning period”.

A citation will be issued (mailed to the registered vehicle owner) if the operator drives at least 12 mph or greater over the posted speed limit. The fine for this violation is $40.00.

This will not be considered a moving violation but rather is a civil fine carrying no points. If the fine is not paid, the Motor Vehicle Administration can suspend or refuse to re-register the vehicle. Insurance companies will not be able to consider these violations for rate increases or adjustments.

The Police Department has always taken an aggressive posture when it comes to speeding, both through education and enforcement. One or two officers working radar are unable to impact the number of violators using conventional enforcement methods. We need to change driver behavior; we need to slow down.

This enforcement effort should be viewed as a means to alter driver behavior, achieve voluntary compliance to speed laws and our ultimate goal, keeping our town safe.

FACTS

Photo Speed Enforcement has been authorized by State law.

Photo Speed Enforcement is placed only in sign-posted areas within a half-mile radius of the three school zones. The school zones include Sykesville Middle School, Ava Wanas Montessori and Springfield Presbyterian School / Stepping Stones Pre-School.

Roads within the school zones will be sign-posted prior to enforcement. Enforcement will be based on speed complaints, vehicular and pedestrian traffic and threat-level assessments. * For a list of some of the roads within our school zones, refer to the end of the document.

The first 30 days of this Program will serve as a warning period in which no citations are issued.

The locations of the cameras will be posted on our website and advertised in local newspapers.

The equipment utilized for this program will be portable (not permanently fixed to a particular site) and will be leased by the Town; not purchased.

The citations will be issued only to vehicles traveling 12 miles over the posted speed limit or greater; i.e.,

In a 25 mph zone, an individual would have to be traveling 37 mph or greater to receive a citation.

A photo is taken of the vehicle and its tag number. That photo will be reviewed by a Law Enforcement Officer who will determine, based on the evidence, whether the vehicle was speeding (12 mph or greater over the posted speed limit).

The citation is a civil fine carrying no points assessed on the individual’s drivers license record. It is a set fine of $40.00 that is set by Sate law.

The individual does have the right to contest the charge in court. The individual does have the right to confront their accuser. The Law Enforcement Officer who reviewed and validated the violation photo will appear in court to present photo evidence.

If the individual fails to pay the fine, his/her vehicle registration can be suspended or MVA can refuse to re-register the vehicle.

The revenue that may be generated by this Program can only be used for public safety enhancements within our community.

a. Legislated Formula for Revenue. Fines collected by a political subdivision as a result of violations may be used to recover the costs of implementing and administering the Speed Monitoring system.

b. After implementing and administering costs are recovered, the subdivision may retain up to 10 percent of the Town’s operating budget; i.e., if the Town’s operating budget is $2,000,000, the Town will be allowed by law to retain $200,000.

c. All additional funds generated by this program (those funds that exceed 10 percent of the total revenues) shall be submitted to the State Comptroller).

The Comptroller shall deposit any money remitted to the General Fund of the State.

By law, violations of this Program must be mailed no later than two (2) weeks after the alleged violation for vehicles registered in the State of Maryland and 30 days after the alleged violation occurred for vehicles registered in another State.

An individual may elect to stand trial by notifying the issuing agency of this intent at least five (5) days prior to the date of payment as it appears on the citation.

If the individual who receives the citation desires the officer to be present and testify at the trial, the individual shall notify the court and the State in writing no later than twenty (20) days prior to trial date.

Under more desirable conditions this program would be unnecessary. Unfortunately, we have used increasingly scarce Town resources to combat speeding in the Town with limited success. Conventional methods have proven ineffective over the long term.

Our mission is to change driver behavior and when this goal is achieved, the equipment will be removed and re-deployed on an as-needed basis.

The Mayor and Town Council believe that utilizing today’s technology, at no additional cost to the Town, to enforce speed laws and to hold those who violate our laws accountable while creating a safer environment for our community is most effectively done through the use of photo enforcement.

* Below is a list of the primary roads within our school zones (minor roads could be included if warranted):

Springfield Avenue
Obrecht Road / Third Avenue
Central Avenue
Jeroby Road
Sandosky Road
Village Road
Harlan Lane
Spout Hill Road
Jennifer Way
College Avenue
Kalorama Road

Thank you
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20100311 sdosm Sykesville PD Speed Camera Fact Sheet

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Monday, February 22, 2010

EAGLE ALERT: Sykesville becomes first Carroll municipality to approve speed cameras


Sykesville becomes first Carroll municipality to approve speed cameras

Police Chief: It will be several months before cameras would be in place

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3991/cameras/

By Charles Schelle, Posted 2/22/10

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14uhxk or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/406357981/sykesville-becomes-first-carroll-municipality-to

SYKESVILLE — Carroll County should have its first speed cameras installed this year following the Sykesville Town Council's vote tonight (Monday) to approve a speed camera ordinance.

At its meeting at the Town House and after a second public hearing, the council voted 5-1 in favor of speed cameras. Mayor Mike Miller and council members Leslie Reed, Frank Robert Jr., Ian Shaw and Chris True voted in favor while Councilman Leo Keenan voted against. Councilman Scott Sanzone was absent.

"I'm ecstatic," Police Chief John Williams Jr., told The Eagle. "Time and time again, the number one issue in our town is speeding, speeding, speeding."

The town expects to operate three mobile speed camera units in three school areas/zones for speed cameras:

• Ava Wanas Montessori School, 7590 College Road;

• Springfield Presbyterian School/Stepping Stones Pre-School, 7300 Spout Hill Road; and

• Sykesville Middle School, 7301 Springfield Ave.

READ MORE AT ... http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3991/cameras/

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/eagle-alert-sykesville-becomes-first.html http://tinyurl.com/ye3pakc

Sykesville MD becomes first Carroll municipality to approve speed cameras http://tinyurl.com/ye3pakc http://twitpic.com/14uhxk http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/406357981/sykesville-becomes-first-carroll-municipality-to

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Bryan Sears live-Tweeting from speed camera meeting

Bryan Sears live-Tweeting from speed camera meeting in Baltimore County

August 19, 2009

Bryan P. Sears, the political editor of Patuxent Publishing Co.'s eight Baltimore County community newspapers – and covers government and politics in Baltimore County and state government and politics as it relates to the county; was live-Tweeting from speed camera meeting in Baltimore County tonight at the Towson library.

The meeting began at 7 p.m. I followed along at Twitter.com/bpsears.

More: http://explorebaltimorecounty.com/blog/politics/238/tweeting-from-speed-camera-meeting

This was an incredible effort on the part of Mr. Sears. I copied and pasted some of the running commentary. Go to the bottom of this post to find the beginning…

For Mr. Sears’ entire body of work – go to Twitter.com/bpsears

In the future, follow Mr. Sears at Twitter.com/bpsears and at “strange bedfellows.” Recent posts include: Cardin proposal prank called ‘part of culture of entitlement’; MACo party pictures revealed; Tweeting from speed camera meeting; Marriage proposal leaves unanswered questions; McDonough’s campaign caveat; and A delegate, a faux police raid, and an engagement.

Now for the speed camera event…
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Bartenfelder thanked the audience an closed the meeting (8:15 PM)

That was the last speaker

Tim Tilghman says barcodes on bottoms of cars are recorded by the government as they move through intersections

One member of the audience said he objects to the company getting 50 % of the fine for each ticket

Dana Brauer: We need a policeman to sit at the school, we don't need a camera

Dana says we need more policemen doing enforcement

Dana Brauer, Tom's wife, is next

Tom Brauer: Md is turning into MD the police state and I don't like it one little bitt

Weist: Bottom line is this is not a violation of your due process

Weist: We've lost ten dogs and cats. My neighbor has a 3-legged cat because people can't drive 25 mph

Cynthia Weist — you cannot put speed bumps on stevenson lane (in towson)

Baisden: Traffic is the number one issue in out community

Ruth Baisden, pres Greater Parkville Community Council "I'm really here to seek solutions and get the facts."

Johnson: Sporting activities

Reinhardt: I don't know of any school open at 8 p.m.

Richard Reinhart, an aide to Del. JB Jennings

Johnson: operating between Mon- Fri 6 a.m. to 8 p.m but couldn't say how far they can see

Norma Secoura of Overlea said she is concerned about where and how the cameras are activated and how far the can see

Fiastro asked council to withdraw the legislation

John Fiastro, pres. of 42nd districtr Republican club is showing a map

Kilcullen: for me personally all the problems I've heard tonight with speed cameras can be averted by following the speed limit

Ed Kilcullen, pres of Greater Towson Council of Community Associations, the group voted in support of the state bill

Honeywell: I'm a natural born citizen of the Democratic Socialist republic of Maryland

Don Honeywell is up next

McDonough: I like you better

Johnson: I like you too

McDonough: you do a fantastic job

McDonough: you're convicted by the camera

Del. Pat McDonough just came in and is speaking

Seehuesen: it might have the effect of being a defacto increase in the speed limit making a 25 mph limit a 37 mph zone

Joe Seebhuesen (sorry if I'm misspelling, I don't have a list) things it's important for police to make these stops at schools

Bailey: one at every public school would be 170

Bailey to lafferty: You started off the meeting the wrong way by accusing people who oppose this of not caring about children

Steve bailey, former dep. state's attorney said he is "vehemently opposed" to speed cameras

speakers are each allowed 2 minutes to make their comments

there's a sign up list for public speakers but so far people are calling out questions

Johnson: baltimore county will not place them in work zones

Johnson: we're looking at 6-12 cameras in the county at this time

speakers are up next

Johnson: looking at 214 sites across the county for speed cameras

state law permits speed cameras in school zones and high work zones…

Mohler: we hope to collect very little money from this.

Mohler: I understand why there is cynicism. I understand why people are distrustful of government.

Mohler: we don't have locations yet

Mohler: I respect everyone's opinions but we respectfully disagree on this issue of whether it's about revenue or about public safety

Don Mohler will now speak for Co. Exec. Smith

smattering of applause when Impallaria says he's "sick of government lying to us."

Impallaria: the one mile limit pretty much covers every area of the state

Impallaria: no one contacted me, not one single communtiy group came to me saying they wanted these

Impallaria: people in England hang tires on them and set them on fire

Impallaria: people across the world have been outraged about these cameras

Del. Impallaria is now speaking

Lafferty: Bill is about protecting children

Lafferty said during session he received overwhelming support for speed cameras

Lafferty holds up flier saying he voted for speed camera and calls it "a piece of crap"

Various elected officials are also in attendance including Dels. Steve Lafferty, Rick Impallaria and Bill Frank

Chief of police, Councilmen Ken Oliver and Bryan McIntire and Don Mohler are part of the panel.

Meeting on Speed cameras in Baltimore County opens with statement from Council Chrmn Joe Bartenfelder

Speed Camera meeting in Towson should begin soon.

G'morning all. Covering speed camera meeting tonight in Towson. Anything you want asked?
http://tinyurl.com/l8enna

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Tweeting from speed camera meeting http://explorebaltimorecounty.com/blog/politics/238/tweeting-from-speed-camera-meeting By Bryan P. Sears Posted: August 19, 2009
Just a note to our readers: I’ll be live blogging a
meeting regarding speed cameras in Baltimore County tonight at the Towson library. You can follow along tonight at Twitter.com/bpsears. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

[…]

Look back here at
explorebaltimorecounty.com for stories and updates.

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Bartenfelder to host meeting on speed cameras
http://explorebaltimorecounty.com/news/101035/speedmeet/#comments
Session set for Wednesday at Towson Library
Posted 8/18/09
Baltimore County Council Chairman Joe Bartenfelder is hosting an information community meeting this week on the proposed legislation to authorize speed cameras in Baltimore County.

The meeting will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Towson Library, 320 York Road.

Legislation proposing speed cameras in school zones was introduced at the County Council this month, and will be the subject of a Sept. 1 work session.

A vote on the measure is expected at the council’s Sept. 8 meeting.


20090819 sdsom BPS live tweeting BCo speed camera meeting
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