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Commissioners approve speed‑monitoring ordinance with sunset after deputies show 600+ violations in 24‑hour sample
Summary
After deputies presented short-term camera data showing hundreds of speed violations near a Mattapax school zone, the county commissioners voted 5–0 to pass Amendment 1 and adopt ordinance 26‑02 with a sunset provision and an initial 30‑day warning period.
The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners on April 28 voted unanimously to adopt Amendment 1 and county ordinance 26‑02, enabling temporary speed‑monitoring camera systems in school zones with a built‑in sunset to allow the county to reassess the program.
Deputy Major Moya, introduced by county staff, told commissioners that a 24‑hour sample at Romancoke Road near Mattapax Elementary and Middle School showed more than 600 combined incoming and outgoing violations. “If you look at it… it’s over 667 violations regardless of direction,” Major Moya said, and added that 332 vehicles were recorded at 12–15 mph over the limit in the sample period. He said the cameras would operate during authorized school‑zone hours and that the county planned a 30‑day warning interval before issuing citations to give motorists a chance to change their driving habits.
The ordinance language includes an explicit sunset clause so commissioners can re‑evaluate the program’s impact after the trial period. Supporters said the intent is behavioral change and student safety; Major Moya said the “ultimate goal is to change driving habits, slow traffic, and protect our citizens and children.” Commissioners asked about hours of operation, signage and public outreach; staff said cameras would operate Monday–Friday during school hours (typically 08:00–20:00 for permitted enforcement) and that the county would publicize camera deployment through signage and social media.
Opponents at prior meetings had raised concerns about civil liberties and revenue motives for automated enforcement, but at Thursday’s meeting commissioners framed the action as a safety‑first measure. The clerk recorded the voice vote as 5–0 in favor. The county said vendor notifications and temporary camera sampling had been used to gather the speed data presented to the board.
