Recommendation
Introduce Ordinance and authorize a public hearing

Change in Law or Policy
Senate Bill 277 requires a local law authorizing the use of speed monitoring systems. Therefore, Rockville City Code - Chapter 23 - must be amended if the City wants to add any new speed monitoring systems (cameras) or site locations to its current program.

Discussion
The use of speed monitoring systems in Montgomery County was authorized by Chapter 15, Laws of Maryland 2006 (HB 443). The law permits Montgomery County and municipalities within the County that have police departments, to operate speed monitoring systems. This year, Chapter 500 of the Laws of 2009 (SB 277) amended HB 443 by authorizing speed monitoring systems statewide (in school zones) and in highway work zones. There were a few changes to the original law that affected the "operations" of our program (i.e., the threshold for photographing speeding vehicles increased from 10 to 12 miles per hour; operation of speed cameras in school zones was restricted to weekdays from 6 AM to 8 PM) and several changes that affected the "administration" of the program (i.e., local authorization; collection and allocation of revenue; and reporting dates).

A provision of SB 277 states: "A speed monitoring system may not be used in a local jurisdiction under this section unless its use is authorized by the governing body of the local jurisdiction by local law enacted after reasonable notice and public hearing." Thus, each individual speed monitoring system or camera placed in service after October 1, 2009, must be authorized by local law enacted after reasonable notice and a public hearing.

Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this item has been brought before the Mayor and Council.

Next Steps
Public hearing; Discussion and Instructions to staff; Adoption of Ordinance

Attachments

Department Head:



Terry Treschuk, Chief of Police
Approved on: 01/05/2010

City Manager:

Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 01/05/2010