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Sykesville council introduces ordinance to authorize school‑zone speed cameras; public hearing set for Oct. 15
Summary
Council introduced ordinance 2024‑06 to allow speed monitoring systems in school zones near Sykesville Middle School, approved the introduction unanimously and scheduled a public hearing and possible adoption for Oct. 15, 2024; staff said traffic studies, signage, and state approval are next steps.
The Sykesville Town Council on Sept. 23 introduced an ordinance to authorize the use of automated speed monitoring systems in school zones, prompted by increased pedestrian activity near Sykesville Middle School on Springfield Avenue. The council voted unanimously to introduce ordinance 2024‑06 and set a public hearing and possible adoption for Oct. 15, 2024.
Town staff described the move as an initial, procedural step: if the ordinance is adopted, the town would next commission traffic and engineering studies, develop a signage plan, and submit an application package to the State Highway Administration for authorization of camera placement. Staff said many vendors operate under models where municipal upfront costs are limited and contractors are paid from collected citation fees.
Council questions focused on enforcement thresholds, calibration, hours of operation and geography. Council members were told that traffic‑monitoring citations are civil penalties under state law and that the penalty amount had recently increased (staff said it went from $40 to $80 effective June 1). Staff also told the council that calibration is performed annually and that the program includes a 30‑day warning period after permanent signage is posted.
A number of council members stressed the program's safety intent and cautioned against framing it as a revenue source. One council member referenced an earlier debate in 2010 in which the program had been criticized as a broad “revenue generator.” Staff reiterated that the proposed ordinance focuses narrowly on the half‑mile radius around Sykesville Middle School and that final placement and hours (staff suggested 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Friday as a likely window) would be determined through study and state review.
Next steps: The council's introduction clears the way for public outreach, the required traffic study (which staff said may be funded through the town's Safe Streets for All grant), and a public hearing on Oct. 15 where residents can comment before any adoption vote.
