Recently, the City invalidated a number of speed camera citations and sent out a press release explaining the situation. Please see that below. The news has received some press coverage here. Unfortunately, the coverage got quite a few facts wrong.
———————
The City of College Park has dismissed specific speed camera citations that may have been caused by confusion from the placement of a new speed camera in the designated pedestrian safety speed enforcement zone on Baltimore Avenue near Guilford Road. The designated pedestrian safety zone is part of an initiative between the City of College Park, University of Maryland, State Highway Administration and local police agencies to reduce injuries and fatalities within the Baltimore Avenue corridor.
A new pole-mounted automated speed enforcement camera began operating on September 7, 2016 in the 7100 block of Baltimore Avenue (north bound), replacing an older ground-mounted camera. The new camera was placed slightly south of the 25 MPH speed limit sign. The speed camera system was determined to be functioning and calibrated properly in accordance with the law. Vehicles photographed exceeding the posted 25 MPH speed limit by 12 MPH between September 7 and October 7, 2016 received citations, but because it has been determined that the focus of the camera was just before the posted speed limit sign, those 685 citations have been dismissed. Motorists will be notified by mail of any dismissed citations, which have either been cleared or will be fully refunded if already paid. The City of College Park regrets any inconvenience this may have caused. On October 7, 2016 the 25 MPH speed limit sign was relocated closer to Guilford Road and south of the speed enforcement camera to provide greater visibility and awareness of the designated pedestrian safety zone and its reduced speed. The City then began reviewing and dismissing citations in October.
After three pedestrian fatalities on Baltimore Avenue in 2014, the City of College Park, State Highway Administration, Prince George’s County Police, and the University of Maryland and its police department initiated programs to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety in the Baltimore Avenue Corridor. These measures included public outreach and the creation of a designated pedestrian safety zone with upgraded crosswalk signals, improved lighting, crosswalk enforcement, and a reduced speed limit. Speed cameras were installed to enforce the new measure to further help improve pedestrian safety.
Pedestrian and bicyclist safety are important goals for the City of College Park. The City and the community’s efforts in pedestrian awareness and safe driving have prevented pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The City thanks all who have and continue to make College Park a safer and more walkable
community.
