(9/23) As downtown Emmitsburg continues to grow into a hub of activity, Commissioner Burns once again brought up the possibility of speed enforcement cameras, "to alleviate some of the speeding issues coming through town," he said. Burns, who has been collaborating with the school officials for information about speed traps, said, because of "two schools easily accessible to Main Street and South Seton Avenue," both of which are state highways.
"The safety of the community should come first," Burns said. Although cameras are an earnest tool to quell speeders, it is not as simple as taking a picture of a speeding car, Deputy Jason Ahalt said, citing his previous experience with speed cameras.
Speed cameras are a multistep process that require certified officers to review footage and sign off on the alleged speeding vehicle before a notice is sent out to the individual involved. The equipment for speed traps would most likely be leased by a providing company which would handle all service and maintenance, Ahalt said. Most of the fees acquired from speeders would then go back into the town.
According to the State Highway Administration speed cameras can only be placed in a school or work zone; school zones, by definition, are designated as a one-half-mile radius around a school. The primary goal of utilizing the speed cameras is ultimately to ensure the safety of the children, residents, and visitors to the area.
Commissioner Davis said he has been in contact with the Thurmont Police Department about their use of speed traps – saying that the equipment lease is based on the number of fines. The equipment leasing company is responsible for acquiring the certifications, and in addition to the police department, also receives a "percentage of the fines." Davis is awaiting a call back from the SHA regarding speed camera rules and regulations.
"It’s really not about making a lot of money," said Davis, "Thurmont makes maybe six-seven hundred dollars a month – but, it has helped to make it a safer area. We have a lot of travel traffic, especially during ski season."
"The only problem I see with them is that people memorize where the cameras are, but about four strategically placed moveable cameras could be an asset to quelling speeders," according to Ahalt. "We’re obviously going to be in need of support of anything that makes the town safer," he said.
