Rising Sun Town Commissioners propose school zone speed camera safety program

The Town of Rising Sun, Maryland, held a meeting on March 26, 2024, to discuss a significant ordinance aimed at enhancing traffic safety in school zones. The proposed legislation seeks to amend Chapter 4 of the town's code, specifically addressing the establishment of a school zone speed camera safety program.

The ordinance outlines the necessity for automated speed enforcement in school zones, citing that traditional methods of enforcing speed limits often fall short due to high traffic volumes and safety concerns for law enforcement officers. The discussion highlighted that studies have shown speed cameras can effectively reduce the number of drivers exceeding speed limits, particularly in school areas.

Key provisions of the ordinance include the establishment of designated school zones within a half-mile radius of educational institutions for grades K-12. The speed monitoring systems will operate Monday through Friday, from 6 AM to 8 PM, and will be managed by designated officers trained in accordance with state law. The town will also ensure proper signage is in place to inform drivers of the speed monitoring systems before they become operational.

The ordinance stipulates that any revenue generated from the speed camera program will first cover the costs of implementation and administration, with any surplus allocated for public safety initiatives as outlined in the town's annual budget. A program administrator, likely the chief of police, will oversee the operation and compliance of the speed monitoring systems.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the penalties associated with violations captured by the speed cameras. A civil penalty of $40 per violation was proposed, with clear distinctions made between citations issued by police officers and those generated by the speed monitoring systems. The ordinance also includes provisions for public engagement, with plans for a public hearing to gather community feedback before finalizing the legislation.

The town administrator confirmed that the ordinance will be available for public review and that minor revisions may occur before the next meeting, where a public hearing will be scheduled. This initiative reflects Rising Sun's commitment to improving safety for students and the broader community through enhanced traffic enforcement measures.