Speed Camera Reform or Just a Reminder?

The Senate voted March 20, 2014 to approve legislation to”allegedly” tighten the rules under which local governments can use cameras to enforce speed laws, adding “new” protections for drivers against wrongly issued tickets. The law would bar localities from signing new contracts with vendors under which the companies get a “bounty” for each ticket issued. However this is more of a reminder to our elected officials as the law, Md. Transportation Sec. 21-809 (j), already prohibits a contractor who operates a speed camera system for a government from being paid on a per paid ticket basis.

Although the proposed legislation is a nice and gentle reminder, any legislation needs teeth – penalties – against elected officials who have already shown a willingness to ignore what the law already says.