Letter to the Editor Support Speed Cams

Dear HoC0 Times Folks, I would like to add my comments and support for the newly passed legislation for Speed Cams in Howard Co. where there is a shown need to slow auto traffic down. I live off of Bethany Lane(30'wide two lanes Rd. no shoulders or sidewalks) just around the corner from the Harbin Farms Fruit Stand, which we the neighbors greatly appreciate and support. The speed limit on Bethany from Rt. #99 to Rt. #40 is posted at 30 MPH and traffic/police reports show most cars are exceeding over 40 MPH. Constant Police Radar Enforcement slows the autos down while the police are there, but the speeding returns when our busy police are not enforcing the 30 MPH Speed Limit. I would suggest and hope that Bethany Lane be a spot for a speed camera(two Church Schools/ Many School Bus Stops/USPS Mail Boxes/ Many children on Bethany) and a great need to slow traffic down on this busy road.

Many talk about speed cams as a Money Maker, but I would like add from my 27 years as Firefighter in Washington, DC that the safety of our neighbors outside their autos Bike/Ped are the Real Safety Issues. We have found in our Safety Experiences that if you are hit by an auto(Outside your Car) going 25 MPH you have a 90% of survival and if hit by an auto 40 MPH you have a 90% chance of being killed.

The Speed Cams Law allows you to go 42 MPH on a 30 MPH Road before you are ticketed (A 40% Leeway) which I feel is more than acceptable). My view and support for Speed Cams is to obey the Posted Speed Limits and drive comfortable and not fear the Speed Cams and keep our communities safe for all the users of our busy roadways. I have contacted my Councilman Greg Fox and told him along with our fine Police Chief William McMahon that we need Speed Cams on Bethany Lane. Speed Cameras are about Safety, allowing our police officers to spend more of their valuable time on other important police matters and not Radar Duties as the Speed Cameras work 24 hours and work without police minding them. If there is revenue money left over the funds are to be directed to Public Safety Enhancements not the General Funds.

The time has come to take back our streets and have modern technology work for us. Your help and assistance in this important matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Bill Kelly