At next week’s City Council meeting on May 13, the City of College Park will hold a public hearing and may vote on Ordinance 25-O-02, a proposed law that would allow the City to install stop sign monitoring systems in school zones. These systems, already in use in other Prince George’s County municipalities, are designed to automatically record vehicles that fail to stop at stop signs in designated school zones.
Under this ordinance, cameras would capture license plate information when a vehicle runs a stop sign near a school. If a violation is recorded and no officer issued a citation at the scene, the vehicle owner could receive a civil penalty of $40, as authorized by Maryland state law.
The goal of the ordinance is to enhance safety for children and families by encouraging full compliance with stop signs in sensitive areas. This legislation aligns with the City’s strategic objective to improve traffic enforcement and reinforce College Park’s reputation as a safe and walkable community.
The proposed ordinance includes provisions to protect privacy and ensure fairness. For example, rental car companies and victims of vehicle theft can submit documentation to avoid unwarranted citations. Notices must be mailed within two weeks of the violation, and recipients have the option to pay or contest the charge in District Court.
If adopted, this ordinance will mark an important step in advancing the City’s commitment to safety near our schools. The Council invites residents to participate in the public hearing and share their perspectives before a final vote is taken.
📅 Public Hearing Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: College Park City Hall (2nd Floor Council Chambers) or via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92398574069