Speed Cameras Installed In Response To Community Concerns

Drivers in the greater Severna Park area may have noticed new objects positioned alongside three roads on Monday. Oak Hill Elementary (Truck House Road), Shipley’s Choice Elementary (Governor Stone Parkway) and Broadneck Elementary (Shore Acres Road) were three of five locations around Anne Arundel County to get portable camera units (PCUs) as the Anne Arundel County Police Department launched its new Automated Enforcement Speed Program.

Cromwell and Solley elementary schools in Glen Burnie also got PCUs.

According to the police department, the units were inspired by community feedback about traffic-related fatalities, serious injuries and roadway safety.

“The Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Program is both data-driven and community-driven,” County Executive Steuart Pittman said in a statement. “Residents came to us with their concerns about the impact of speeding on the safety of their communities and we listened and acted by implementing this program to promote safe driving habits and ultimately save lives.”

Warnings will be issued for the first 15 days at each location. After the warning period, motorists traveling 12 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit will be issued a citation and a $40 fine.

Anne Arundel County plans to install up to 40 PCUs in school zones and residential areas that have been identified based on traffic pattern data, crash history, resident concerns and accident history. Folger McKinsey and Millersville elementary schools are on that list of future PCU sites.

“Every day, residents call for safer streets, especially for children,” said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad. “Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility, and speed cameras are a proven tool for encouraging drivers to slow down and obey posted speed limits.”

In accordance with state law, speed cameras in school zones will operate from 6:00am-8:00pm Monday through Friday, including holidays and during the summer. Cameras placed in residential areas will operate 24/7.

For more information about the Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Program, to pay citations, and to view an interactive map of active and planned locations, go to www.aacounty.org/speedcameras.