HAGERSTOWN, MD - They're camouflaged and take pictures of you behind the wheel without your consent: Speed cameras have brought in more than $500,000 in revenue to Hagerstown.
"Truthfully I think it's a money-maker," says Luann Myers, a local resident.
"I kind of think it's a way for the city to make money. We're all struggling, not only is the city struggling, but we as a people in general are struggling because of the economy. It's just a way for them to make money, it's a trap," says Mary Ruffin, a local resident.
But even after eight months, many drivers say the cameras are unexpected.
"I was very surprised, very surprised, because I don't normally speed, I'm not a fast driver. What happens is you're not even thinking, you're driving, and all of a sudden you're in a 15 or 20-mile zone and it just happens," says Myers.
Although the "photo enforced" sign isn't the friendliest, ticket revenue has hired another police officer, bought a patrol car, and reinstated three Hagerstown Fire Captain positions.
Many drivers say they're not too fond of these speed cameras, but even more unpopular is when they're ticketed unfairly.
According to a recent Maryland state audit, half of the speed camera violations in work zones were unusable; but many of these cameras were run by companies versus local law enforcement, like in Hagerstown.
"I think they're pretty accurate. Yeah, when they told me how fast I was going I thought I probably was going that fast," admits Myers.
Some drivers question if the cameras are necessary, but admit they have done the job.
"I am much more cautious now as soon as I see a school," says Myers.
Music to police officer ears for this Safe Speed for Students Program.
The Hagerstown Police Department says the speed camera contract between themselves and the Brekford Corporation is up in March 2014. Then it's up to the City Council to continue the program.
"Truthfully I think it's a money-maker," says Luann Myers, a local resident.
"I kind of think it's a way for the city to make money. We're all struggling, not only is the city struggling, but we as a people in general are struggling because of the economy. It's just a way for them to make money, it's a trap," says Mary Ruffin, a local resident.
But even after eight months, many drivers say the cameras are unexpected.
"I was very surprised, very surprised, because I don't normally speed, I'm not a fast driver. What happens is you're not even thinking, you're driving, and all of a sudden you're in a 15 or 20-mile zone and it just happens," says Myers.
Although the "photo enforced" sign isn't the friendliest, ticket revenue has hired another police officer, bought a patrol car, and reinstated three Hagerstown Fire Captain positions.
Many drivers say they're not too fond of these speed cameras, but even more unpopular is when they're ticketed unfairly.
According to a recent Maryland state audit, half of the speed camera violations in work zones were unusable; but many of these cameras were run by companies versus local law enforcement, like in Hagerstown.
"I think they're pretty accurate. Yeah, when they told me how fast I was going I thought I probably was going that fast," admits Myers.
Some drivers question if the cameras are necessary, but admit they have done the job.
"I am much more cautious now as soon as I see a school," says Myers.
Music to police officer ears for this Safe Speed for Students Program.
The Hagerstown Police Department says the speed camera contract between themselves and the Brekford Corporation is up in March 2014. Then it's up to the City Council to continue the program.
Comments
dont do the crime if you cant pay the fine, thats all
allen m.
January 8, 2013 at 8:30 pm
I managed to escape the last 8 months without getting ticket. You want to know how? I drive the speed limit through the school zones. For crying out loud, it's not hard to drive the speed limit around the schools. You're protecting yourself and the children. Stop complaining. If you don't want to pay the fine, don't speed. Plain and simple
Robert J.
January 8, 2013 at 7:47 am
Policing for profit--pure and simple.
Shawn B.
January 8, 2013 at 6:52 am
