City Council approves speed camera amendment to enhance pedestrian safety funding

In a recent City Council meeting held on April 14, 2025, the Annapolis City Council took significant steps towards enhancing pedestrian safety through the approval of an ordinance concerning speed monitoring cameras. This initiative aims to address growing concerns about traffic safety in residential areas, particularly near schools.

The council discussed an amendment to ordinance O-5-25, which ensures that funds generated from speed monitoring cameras will be allocated specifically for pedestrian safety improvements. This amendment received strong support from council members, who emphasized the importance of using these funds to enhance the safety of city streets.

During the meeting, questions arose regarding the implementation of speed cameras, including how many could be placed within certain areas and the criteria for their installation. Currently, speed cameras are permitted only on streets directly adjacent to schools, but this new legislation expands the potential for their use in other residential areas. Council members noted that most city streets have a maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour, making them eligible for speed monitoring.

A key point of discussion was the requirement for a uniformed officer to review each citation issued by the cameras, which has been identified as a significant hurdle for the police department. Council members expressed the need for legislative changes at the state level to allow non-uniformed personnel to handle this task, thereby streamlining the process and increasing the efficiency of the speed monitoring system.

The council also highlighted the importance of conducting traffic assessments before placing cameras on roads with speed limits below 35 miles per hour. This approach aims to ensure that the cameras are installed in locations where they can effectively reduce speeding and enhance safety.

As the council moves forward with this initiative, they plan to prioritize discussions on which roads should be targeted for speed monitoring, reflecting community concerns about traffic safety. The outcomes of this meeting signal a proactive approach by the City Council to address public safety and improve the quality of life for Annapolis residents.