Worcester County commissioners decline to pursue automated speed cameras near Ocean City Elementary

Public Works presented data May 5 showing motorists on Center Drive, near Ocean City Elementary, were traveling at speeds that put the 80th/85th percentile roughly 12 miles per hour over the posted limit, and described state rules that allow automated speed-enforcement cameras in school and construction zones. "We found on Center Drive, folks were the the 80 percentile was 12 miles an hour over the speed limit," a Public Works staff member, Dallas, told the commissioners.

Dallas said the county would need an ordinance and a vendor to install cameras, and noted cameras operate by law between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and that revenue is typically split between the vendor and the jurisdiction. "Some of the money gets split between the company that puts the camera up and with the county," Dallas said, adding the county was not presenting the cameras as a revenue generator but as a safety tool.

Several commissioners expressed reservations about automated enforcement and favored temporary targeted patrols. "I have a real problem with speed cameras. I just can't support speed cameras," a commissioner who spoke during the debate said. Another commissioner said she would prefer sheriff's deputies or state police issue tickets in problem areas rather than automated cameras.

After discussion, a commissioner moved that the county not pursue automated speed cameras; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no opposition. The board did not direct staff to draft an ordinance or enter into vendor negotiations for automated speed enforcement.

Commissioners asked staff to follow up with data from nearby jurisdictions with experience using cameras — including ticket counts and any post-installation speed studies — before bringing any future recommendations. A commissioner suggested staff check Berlin's post-camera studies and ticketing numbers to inform future action.

The county's decision leaves targeted enforcement by law enforcement as the primary near-term option for addressing speeding in the school zone. No formal ordinance or contract award related to automated speed enforcement was initiated at the meeting.