Sara Michael, The Examiner
2008-01-31 08:00:00.0
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Howard County -

Howard could make it tougher for speeders now that its delegation has approved a bill that would allow county police to use speed monitoring cameras.

“I still have my reservations, [but] it provides some protections,” said Sen. Allan Kittleman, R-Howard and Carroll, who voted for the measure with its amendments.

Howard would become the second jurisdiction in the state after Montgomery County to use cameras to monitor speed, if the bill passes the General Assembly.

Howard’s proposal, sponsored by Sen. James Robey, D-Howard, allows cameras to be posted on streets with a maximum speed limit of 45 mph and could result in a $75 fine.

The amendments are:

» Limiting the number of cameras to 10 either in mobile units or fixed on poles.

“This is to alleviate the fear I’ve heard that there will be one of these on every corner,” said Del. Guy Guzzone, D-Howard.

» Requiring the measure to expire in 2013, thereby forcing lawmakers to re-examine the program.

» Requiring a 90-day education program before issuing fines.

» Providing lawmakers with an annual report on the program.

Republican Del. Gail Bates, who along with Republican Del. Warren Miller voted against the measure, said she was responding to her Howard constituents who said the speed cameras would generate revenue for the county.

Robey said revenues would drop off after drivers become aware of the cameras and slow down.

“The project should pay for itself, and there should be enough of an incentive there,” he said, defending the $75 fine, which is higher than Montgomery’s fine.

Del. Susan Aumann, R-Baltimore County, dropped her speed camera bills — one Baltimore County-specific and one statewide — in favor of the O’Malley administration’s bill that would authorize all counties to approve the use of speed cameras on roads and in work zones.

smichael@baltimoreexaminer.com