Lawmakers Debate Speed Camera Usage
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Do speed cameras have you slowing down at work zones? That's the intention of the law, but as political reporter Pat Warren explains, some lawmakers are questioning just when those cameras should be operating.
There are work zone signs and speed cameras in Catonsville, but the only problem is, there aren't any workers. Baltimore County State Senator James Brochlin thinks that's wrong.
"The lanes are wide open. There's no construction going on," Brochlin said.
The Highway Administration says the cameras should operate anyway, because drivers should slow down simply to negotiate the change in traffic patterns.
If slowing down is the intent, Jessica Rygard's family already got the message.
"My husband got a bunch of tickets. He doesn't go so fast anymore," Rygard said.
But in the case of work zones, Brochin thinks the state may be overstepping.
"We actually got statistics over the last six months and found out that it's three times more likely that they're ticketing when no one's there working," Brochlin said.
Speed cameras in Maryland are currently limited to work zones and school zones.
