Del. Lafferty calls for public meetings on speed cameras
State Del. Steve Lafferty is calling on county officials to hold public meetings to explain how speed camera legislation will be implemented in the county.
Lafferty, a Democrat and supporter of speed cameras, said “it is incumbent upon the county to use (the meetings) as an educational session.”
“I’ve not heard from any community that doesn’t feel (speed cameras) will be a valuable tool if used correctly,” said Lafferty, who represents the 42nd District including Towson, Lutherville-Timonium and part of Pikesville.
State legislators passed a law authorizing each county to implement speed cameras in work and school zones. Tickets would carry no points but would have a fine of $40. (You can read about the details here.)
The state law requires each county to pass legislation authorizing the use of the cameras. County Executive Jim Smith and police Chief Jim Johnson said they hope to have the legislation passed when the law goes into effect on Oct. 1.
In order to do that, a bill would likely have to be introduced at the council’s Aug. 3 legislative session and require five votes to implement faster than the typical 45-days prescribed by the County Charter.
Lafferty said “there’s a lot of misinformation out there and a lot of people don’t fully understand the law,” and “no one has been told what the criteria will be used in siting the cameras.”
The delegate said he sent a letter to Smith and Council Chairman Joseph Bartenfelder requesting the meetings. So far, he’s had no response, Lafferty said.
Lafferty said he’d like to see at least three meetings — one in the eastern, western and central areas of the county.
“I just don’t think having one 3 p.m. meeting at the council work session does it,” Lafferty said. “Even having one meeting in advance of filing the legislation would be welcome.”
Should the county or county council hold public meetings before filing speed camera legislation? Should the county implement the cameras at all? What do you think?