2016 HB 436 proposes to put an end to speed cameras in Maryland.  Speed cameras in the State are a failed experiment and more importantly, they violate the Maryland Declaration of Rights:

Art. 21. That in all criminal prosecutions, every man hath a right to be informed of the accusation against him; to have a copy of the Indictment, or charge, in due time (if required) to prepare for his defence; to be allowed counsel; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have process for his witnesses; to examine the witnesses for and against him on oath; and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury, without whose unanimous consent he ought not to be found guilty.

Two speed camera contractors in Baltimore failed to fulfill their contractual obligations.  A judge in Prince Georges County is on record stating she assumes all tickets are valid, even though documents prove that two days before her statements, these cameras and vendor were found fraught with problems, including uncalibrated cameras.  Baltimore City issued tickets to parked vehicles and even signed a dead policeman’s name to tickets.  And even though Brekford failed to fulfill their Baltimore City contract, they received a payout of $600,000.

We can spend weeks hashing the problems with speed cameras in Maryland, as they are numerous.  Please visit Maryland Drivers Alliances’ site for in-depth reports and documentation.

Here’s the crux of the bill:

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, that Section(s) 21–202.1, 21–809, and 21–810 of Article – Transportation of the Annotated Code of Maryland be repealed.

Repeal, not replace.

Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

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