Letter To The Editor: A Note To County Executive Steuart Pittman

Dear Mr. Pittman,

Anne Arundel County recently announced a speed camera was installed on Governor Stone Parkway in the Shipley's Choice community as well as four other locations. I, like my fellow Shipley's Choice residents, am happy to see the traffic enforcement speed camera. I like the new technology wherein the top portion rotates 180 degrees to monitor traffic speed in both directions depending on the time of day. I found the county bulletin found on www.aacounty.org/speedcameras. 

There are several issues that I do not understand. It is my understanding that traffic on our interstate highways and Maryland roads are monitored at 12 miles per hours over the posted speed limit. Therefore, tickets will be issued at speeds of 77 mph (65 plus 12) and 67 mph (55 plus 12), respectively. Another way to look at the speed is 18.46% and 21.81% above the posted speed limit, respectively.

Anne Arundel County's Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Program bulletin states very clearly “motorists travelling 12 mph or more over the posted speed limit will be issued a citation….” Governor Stone Parkway is posted at 35 mph. This is 34.28% above the posted speed limit.

Mr. Pittman, the residents of Shipley's Choice are already experiencing high risk to their children who travel across Governor Stone Parkway daily to the elementary school, pool and tennis club, visiting friends, and the playground located at the Shipley's Choice Elementary School.

The 35-plus-12 mph trigger speed for Governor Stone Parkway is unacceptable to me and I am sure many of my fellow residents.

Further, Shipley’s Choice Homeowners Association newsletter stated the following: “The camera will be operational Monday-Friday, 6:00am to 8:00pm, with summers and holidays included.”

I cannot believe my eyes. Traffic does not stop on Saturdays and Sundays. The risk to our community does not stop on Saturdays and Sundays.

Kindly have the appropriate people look into these two issues and tell me the results.

Regards,

Kevin Curran
Shipley’s Choice, Millersville