Annapolis, MD (June 24, 2024) – The Anne Arundel County Police Department announced the beginning of its Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Program - a new initiative that uses Portable Camera Units (PCUs) to increase roadway safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries in the county by monitoring and enforcing speed limits. Beginning today, PCUs will be active and begin to issue warnings at each designated location.
“The Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Program is both data-driven and community-driven,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “Residents came to us with their concerns about the impact of speeding on the safety of their communities, and we listened and acted by implementing this program to promote safe driving habits and ultimately save lives.”
The county intends to install up to 40 PCUs in designated school zones and some residential areas throughout the county. Camera placement relies on traffic pattern data, crash history, resident concerns, and accident history. PCUs will be installed in phases, beginning with school zones to help reduce speeds and create safer driving habits around schools. Speed camera zones will be clearly marked with signage. The following five are the initial locations:
Wellham Avenue, Glen Burnie – Cromwell Elementary
Governor Stone Parkway, Severna Park – Shipley’s Choice Elementary
Solley Road, Glen Burnie – Solley Elementary
Truck House Road, Severna Park – Oak Hill Elementary
Shore Acres Road, Arnold – Broadneck Elementary
“Every day, residents call for safer streets, especially for children,” said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad. “Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility and speed cameras are a proven tool for encouraging drivers to slow down and obey posted speed limits.”
The system will only issue warnings for the first 15 days at each designated location. Before issuing each citation, a multi-step review process occurs. Sworn Anne Arundel County police officers will make the ultimate decision of whether a violation actually occurred. After the 15-day warning period, and once an officer determines that a citation is warranted, motorists traveling 12 mph or more over the posted speed limit will be issued a citation with a $40 fine. Citations will be mailed to the registered vehicle owner and include photos of the violation, date, time, and speed. Motorists who receive a citation can pay by phone, mail, or online at aacounty.org/SpeedCameras.
In accordance with state law, speed cameras in school zones will operate from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, including holidays and during the summer. Cameras placed in residential areas will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Program is an important aspect of the county’s Vision Zero strategy, which was adopted in 2022 to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility. The plan proposes targeting areas around schools or other locations known to have higher rates of speed-related incidents for enforcement campaigns.
Visit aacounty.org/speedcameras for more information about the Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Program, to pay citations, and to view an interactive map of active and planned locations.