Speed Cameras

“To all you people out there who complain about getting tickets from speed cameras, which allow you 12 miles an hour over the speed limit before you're fined: Try to stop complaining, and slow down.” - Hancock “I just read in The Herald of June 7, the article by Allan Powell, on Rand Paul. I wasn't interested in Mr. Paul and his run for presidency until I read that article, and now I'm sure to (support) him.” - Washington County “Councilwoman Nigh. ... She has fought every progressive ... fought within the city, and continues to make it go downhill.

First, let me offer the regular disclaimers: 1). My wife is a Washington County Commissioner; 2). I was a paid advocate for a company that sold photo enforcement systems. That advocacy ended in January 2012. I still absolutely support photo enforcement of speed limits in school and construction zones. Well, it had to happen. Several people have said it verbally and finally someone put it in writing. The following written comment appeared under a Herald-Mail website posting of a letter to the editor published April 27 regarding speed cameras: “When was the last time a child was hit in a school crossing in Hagerstown?

Speed cameras a start, but student safety requires more To the editor: I have lived in Hagerstown for only a few years and have been amazed by the lack of concern of drivers in school zones. I cannot imagine what drivers are thinking as they speed through school zones during restricted hours. Personally, I don't care how fast you drive on Interstate 70 or 81, however when children are present, putting them at risk is inexcusable. I travel through the school zone on Northern Avenue each morning and follow the posted speed limit.

People in Washington County should concern themselves with the following passage from the Chicago Tribune, which appeared two days after Christmas: “In an annual ritual that has become as predictable if not as joyous as a New Year's Eve countdown to midnight, Chicago drivers again will have to dig a little deeper to pay to park at meters in 2013. “Loop rates will go up 75 cents to $6.50 an hour as part of scheduled fee increases included in Mayor Richard Daley's much-criticized 2008 lease of the city's meters to Chicago Parking Meters LLC.” Chicago Parking Meters LLC?

WASHINGTON COUNTY -- Two new Maryland laws taking effect Thursday target driving safety. One makes writing or sending a text message while driving a misdemeanor. The other allows speed cameras in school zones and within some work zones on highways. "It's going to be just like any other violation," Maryland State Police 1st Sgt. Kevin Lewis said Wednesday of the text message law. "Troopers, when they're out there, will be alert for people who are violating this particular law. " He acknowledged it will be a difficult law to enforce.

Washington County Delegation Chairman Christopher Shank this week said he and his colleagues faced a "moral quandary" when a Montgomery County lawmaker asked for their help in overriding one of the governor's vetoes. Fortunately, the quandary sparked an epiphany, a moment of insight during which local lawmakers realized that it's sometimes better to do some horse-trading than it is to make enemies. It didn't hurt that the issue wasn't one of statewide importance, nor did it have any moral or religious overtones.

laurae@herald-mail.com Public safety advocates battled it out with defenders of drivers' rights in a Maryland Senate committee Thursday. Police officers and government officials argued that the state should allow the use of cameras to catch speeders because it will slow down traffic, protecting people's lives. Drivers caught on film would face fines of up to $100. Some members of the Judicial Proceedings Committee said speed cameras, just like red-light cameras already in use, are intrusive and too likely to nab innocent drivers.

SHARPSBURG - A town resident concerned about speeding traffic has been charged with forming a committee to help address the problem. The problem probably won't get any better with plans for a film studio to be built in Washington County for Civil War films, said Councilman Russell Weaver. County officials who encourage economic development in the area owe the town impact studies from such projects, Weaver said. Officials announced plans on Aug. 27 to film a major motion picture based on the novel "Gods and Generals" in the county, which could include location shoots near the town.