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New Legislation May Add Speed Cameras In Baltimore Co.

RODGERS FORGE, Md. (WJZ) — As soon as the state gave Baltimore County the ability to place speed cameras near schools, the county did just that. Now, after a half-year of use, they want more.

Mike Schuh has more.

In the average week, 2,000 speeders are getting caught. Now lawmakers want to vastly increase the number of school zones with cameras.

You can hardly see them, but look closer. They're here alright. Back a few hundred feet, at the speed limit sign, you're even given notice.

In the county, motorists are getting tickets at a rate of 2,000- 4,000 per week.

These cameras give you a 12-mile leeway. WJZ found one that triggers at 42 miles an hour or faster.

"Everytime you look in the mail, there's a red light camera ticket," said Bernadette Johnson, motorist. "You don't even know where they are."

Right now, they're only near 15 schools. But new legislation would allow portable cameras near every school in the county during school hours--a change this motorist welcomes.

"Well, people are forgetful and they have to be reminded," said Larry Keifer, motorist.

But up in Towson, a councilman is one of two who oppose the change.

"I feel that going to mobile speed cameras is too much of a leap forward at this time for Baltimore County," said Baltimore County Councilman David Marks.

He points out the number of citations issued had dropped 52 percent since the program started, and there has been no change in the accident rate near such cameras.

And, people just don't like them.

"Just going to mobile unrestricted speed cameras is going too far in the county.  I don't know if there's public acceptance for that aspect," Marks said.

The bill will be voted on at next Tuesday's council meeting.

If the bill passes, the cap on the cameras would be lifted as of Feb. 20.

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