For more than half of his 22 years in office, City Councilman Nick D'Adamo's constituents have complained about vehicles recklessly speeding past Glenmount Elementary/Middle school in Northeast Baltimore. Starting next week, he hopes, that will stop.
On Monday, officials will gather at Glenmount, at Walther and Glenmore avenues, to unveil the first of 51 speed cameras they plan to place near public schools throughout the city. The contentious state law allowing the cameras takes effect Oct. 1.
The final decision to install speed cameras rests with local governments, which have been weighing the benefits of increased safety and extra revenue generated by the $40 tickets against complaints that government is overstepping its bounds and using the devices as a money grab.
"Philosophically, I don't support that Big Brother approach," said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold, a Republican. "I believe it's more effective to have a police officer on the scene with a motorist."
But supporters say the cameras serve as an extra eye for police who can't patrol every street.
"If we were able to have the numbers of police officers to stand on every road where we have speeding, it would be lovely, but we can't afford it," said Howard County police Chief William J. McMahon. He is working on legislation that would allow the cameras to be installed there and expects it to be ready for the County Council's consideration this fall.
Baltimore City has embraced the concept, as has Baltimore County, where its council, after a series of heated public meetings, approved installing the cameras in 15 school zones - although it hasn't selected a contractor yet to supply the devices.
But, reflecting the partisan debate that raged in Annapolis this year, the technology is being shunned in those central Maryland jurisdictions where a more conservative ethos is predominant.
Harford and Carroll, both heavily Republican counties, have seen no need for the cameras.
"Harford has never been a proponent of speed cameras, and there has been no hue and cry here to install them," said Robert B. Thomas, county spokesman. "We don't see them as a source of revenue, either."
Most school areas in Harford have posted reduced speed limits, traffic calming devices and, in many cases, trained individuals assisting young pedestrians, Thomas said.
The Carroll County commissioners gave the camera legislation a passing mention at a recent session, but have no immediate plans to install cameras.
