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Council discusses removing cap on school-zone speed cameras to expand enforcement
Summary
Sponsor and safety advocates argued for expanding Howard County's speed-monitoring camera program beyond the existing cap, citing frequent speeding incidents near schools and an intent to tie revenue to pedestrian improvements.
Councilmembers and advocates discussed removing the statutory limit on the number of speed-monitoring systems (school-zone speed cameras) during the June public hearing.
Chair Liz Walsh, sponsor of Council Bill 51-2025, said the county currently has 172 designated school-zone locations and only eight cameras permitted under county code; the bill would remove the limit on the number of systems and allow the police department and administrators to decide numbers and placements. Ryan Powers of the Howard County Citizens Association testified in support, saying Howard County has a significant speeding problem around schools and urged expansion of the program; Powers asked that program revenues be guaranteed for pedestrian improvements in school zones.
Chair Walsh said the department would determine where to place additional cameras if the cap is removed. The bill was presented for public hearing; no council vote occurred during the session.
