(9/15) With schools starting, complaints from concerned citizens sparked discussion between residents and the City about speeding in the city, specifically on Trevanion Road. Speed cameras were suggested as a possible solution. There are two schools, Taneytown Elementary School and Northwest Middle School, that are close to Trevanion Rd that would be impacted by a speed camera program if the City chooses to proceed with the idea.
Another location that could be a candidate for the speed camera program is the Baumgardner and East Baltimore Street intersection. However, before the City implements a speed program here, they must get permission from State Highways because East Baltimore is regulated by the State.
Councilman Christopher Tillman asked if Head Start programs and church school programs counted toward having a school zone. City Manager Jim Wieprecht was unsure and offered to research an answer.
Before the City can even install cameras, they would need to create legislation that officially designates school zones. By doing so they are creating a set of "rules" to go by that include an overall speed limit of 30mph in the school zone and 35 mph for school zones with a crossing guard present. To receive a ticket a vehicle would need to be 12 over the posted limits and tickets can only be given at certain times in the school day.
Wieprecht also pointed out that any revenue obtained from a speed camera, if uncontested, would be used to benefit the City.
Councilwoman Judith Fuller asked if the City even had a measurable problem with speeding. According to Wieprecht a speed study would need to be done first and one of the things they look at is whether speeding is a problem or not. He said speed studies have been done in the past but the City opted out of doing anything after the studies were done.
Mayor Pro Tem James McCarron spoke about the last time the Council discussed placing speed cameras years before. His opinion was that society is already overregulated. "Another device to capture revenue from unsuspecting townspeople isn't necessary," he said. He was in favor of "driver feedback signs" over installing cameras. Feedback signs use radar or loop detectors to measure the speed of an approaching vehicle and then show the driver their speed. "They affect me." he said. "And they are a lot cheaper and just as effective."
Tillman agreed with McCarron and suggested the police department consider utilizing the decoy car, which has been used in the past.
Councilwoman Diane Foster asked if the studies would compare the feedback sign to speed cameras. Wieprecht said the chosen vendor would come out and do the study to see if the speeding problem is bad enough to warrant installing the equipment. They would also consider all options for the City to choose from. After this meeting he will follow up with the Council in a few months.
