When I decided to pursue this campaign 3 weeks ago, I could never have imagined the reaction from the public. The support has been overwhelming, and the media exposure extensive. ... More
| Media coverage for the Potomac Secret Agent | |
The Washington Post: The Good and Bad of Traffic Enforcement (blog) The Internet Accelerating Speed Camera Foes | The Washington Times: Letters to the Editor The (Maryland) Gazette: ‘SecretAgent' warns drivers of speed cameras |
| WNBC (Channel 4) "Potomac Secret Agent" Alerts Md. Drivers to Speed Cameras May 28, 2009 | WUSA (Channel 9) Speed Camera Protester Posts Signs May 28, 2009 Speed Camera Protester Posts Warning Signs |
| WFOX (Channel 5) Interviewing the Potomac Secret Agent May 27, 2009 Secret Agent Warns of Speed Cameras | WJLA (Channel 7) Speed Camera Warning Signs Aim to Save Residents MoneyMay 23, 2009 Speed Cameras Prompt Backlash from Some Drivers May 26, 2009 |
The speed camera warning signs were posted to bring attention to the proliferation of speed cameras in Potomac. A new law signed by Governor O'Malley will allow additional speed cameras within 1/2 mile of school zones and in highway work zones. This could double the number of speed cameras in Montgomery County from 60 to 120 within a year.
Speed Cameras may have a place in our neighborhoods to make them safer places. I contend that some of the locations selected for speed cameras have been chosen based upon the amount of revenue they can generate. After all, this is a joint venture with the private sector who is funding the installation, maintenance and operation of these cameras. It is silly for elected officials to deny that revenue is not at least PART of the equation.
Secondly, there are many locations in Montgomery County, especially in smaller neighborhoods, where speed enforcement would better promote public safety. These less traveled roads could never support automated enforcement because of the economic model used to select camera locations. Why wouldn't we use the revenue generated by these cameras to fund safety measures in these smaller neighborhoods? Speed bumps, road narrowing, traffic circles all could be effective in some of these locations. Not one of our elected officials interviewed has addressed this issue.
When I return from work each day and pull into my neighborhood, I thank my lucky stars I live in Potomac. I have chosen to raise my children here and sleep easier every night knowing I am doing my best to keep them safe. I think we all have a civic responsibility to question decisions made by our elected officials. All we expect in return is HONEST answers. So far, all we have is dodged questions.
The support from the public has been incredible. Thank you to all those who have supported this campaign. Thank you to the Montgomery County Police for their patience in allowing these signs to stay. Thank you for all of those who have offered financial support. In lieu of financial support, I ask you sign the petition circulated my Maryland for Responsible Enforcement. Their success will send the new law allowing more cameras to referendum.
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