Speed cameras coming to Maryland

[javasaurus]

Maryland already has red-light cameras throughout the states, and speed cameras in Montgomery county. According to this WTOP news article, speed cameras are destined for other state areas -- specifically construction zones, school zones, and residential areas. The cameras are targeted against cars going speed limit + 12 mph.

The main argument against these is that they are primarily a money-making scheme. Arguments for them indicate that it's a safety issue, and money made from them will go back into safety programs. (Privacy issues don't really apply -- courts have already rules that you don't have a reasonable expectation to privacy when driving a car).

Comments

[acroyear70.livejournal.com]

actually, the real argument against them is that they are an unconstitutional catch-22. they can't directly accuse YOU of doing it, because they have no proof you were the one driving.

so you get this charge against you because of your car, requiring you to either fess-up (against the 5th amendment), or plead against the driver who may have been your spouse (and therefore also against the 5th amendment).

proof that my car was involved is not proof that i did it. there is both reasonable doubt AND no constitutional reason why i must testify that it wasn't me or that it was anyone else.

they make it all about the money because they know any other form of punishment would never be held up under due process and face your accuser requirements, but if it was just the money it is less likely anybody would actually mount the constitutional challenge this b.s. requires to go away for good.

[javasaurus.livejournal.com]

My main point was to indicate that the cameras are likely going to be widespread in Maryland soon, not to start a discussion on whether they'd be good or bad. The "for" and "against" were from the article, not the more general arguments that are out there -- I should have been more clear about that.

The constitutional argument might be valid as the camera law currently stands, but they can get around it. Otherwise, we'd not have parking meters anymore. It depends on how they write the laws. They could make the registered owner responsible for his vehicle, independent of who is driving. Then leave it to the owner to get the money from the driver. IIRC, no points are placed against the licence, and it doesn't affect insurance. The only penalty is money which the owner can collect from the driver.

Or, they could implement cameras that capture the driver's image and then assign points and insurance increases.

[dawntreader]

The cameras are targeted against cars going speed limit + 12 mph.

it's a good thing mine only goes to 11. *snicker*