On February 4, Associate Director of Policy Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 530 – Vehicle Laws – Speed Monitoring Systems – Residential Districts.
This bill authorizes statewide use of speed monitoring devices in residential districts under certain circumstances and only when enabled by a local ordinance.
More frequently than ever, horrific traffic accidents have claimed the lives or good health of Maryland residents. Vehicle drivers and passengers aren’t the only ones in danger – pedestrians and cyclists alongside the roadways are also at risk of harm or death. In the instance outlined in SB 530, potential pedestrian victims are often children playing and people simply trying to enjoy the day-to-day activities in their neighborhoods.
Research has shown that penalties for speeding have the potential to change behavior and drive down the number of violations over time. Counties believe having the authority to use automated enforcement for speeding in residential areas will further accountability, particularly in these sensitive locations. When deployed in a targeted way, these systems can and will save lives.
SB 530’s cross-file, HB 644, was heard on February 21 in the House Environment and Transportation Committee. Sarah Sample testified in support of this bill.
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