Crime & Safety

Slow Down: Cameras Show Drivers Their Speed

Speed cameras that display a vehicle's speed as drivers approach are being tested in Laurel school zones. Tickets are not yet being issued.

A new type of speed camera that displays a vehicle’s speed on a monitor so drivers know if they have a lead foot is the first of its kind in Maryland, and it’s being tested in Laurel 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,” Laurel Police Department Chief Richard McLaughlin told WJZ TV.

As a speeding driver approaches a camera, the monitor flashes, telling the driver they’re going too fast. If a driver slows down, they avoid a violation.

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

A Baltimore City speed camera program was criticized by drivers, who proved they were clocked at the wrong times. The cameras were shut down last year.

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Laurel officials say that while their cameras have the capability to issue tickets, they won’t at this time.

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


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