New Speed Camera In Laurel Helps Drivers To Avoid Tickets

LAUREL, Md. (WJZ) -- School zone slow down. A new type of speed camera in Laurel helps drivers avoid costly violations.

As Gigi Barnett explains, it's the first of its kind in Maryland.

A speed-display monitor attached to a camera is the newest way to capture lead-foot drivers in school zones.

"Just the fact that people today are distracted on multiple levels. This is just a wake up to them that they're exceeding the speed limit," said Laurel Police Department Chief Richard McLaughlin.

The city of Laurel owns the first-of-its-kind cameras. Here's how it works: as a speeding driver approaches, the monitor flashes, telling the driver they're going too fast before they pass the camera. A slow down means a violation is avoided.

"This is going to force people into being compliant as far as speed. It's an awareness tool," McLaughlin said.

The Baltimore City speed camera program came under fire from drivers who successfully proved that they were clocked at the wrong times. City leaders switched them off back in April.

But Laurel says while its cameras have the capability to issue tickets, they won't--for now.

Some drivers are backing the new cameras.

"It helps you adjust your speed as you need to," said Mary Micale. "I don't want to get a ticket if I don't realize how quickly I'm going."

"I'll make you aware and hopefully avoid getting a ticket and paying money to the state," said driver Lloyd Lurie.

Right now, the Laurel Police Department has two of its new speed cameras up and running. More may be on the way.

AAA strongly supports Laurel's new speed cameras.

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