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Md. Approves Use Of Speed Cameras
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Bronrott and others tried unsuccessfully in 2003 to enact legislation to allow the use of the cameras statewide. The measure, which Ehrlich also vetoed, was prompted by a task force that found pedestrian safety was the top concern in Montgomery County. In a typical year, Bronrott said, more people are killed trying to cross the street in Montgomery than by homicide.
When he vetoed the Montgomery bill last May, Ehrlich said it would establish a bad precedent for other counties and affect motorists from other jurisdictions who drive through the area each day.
In his veto letter, Ehrlich called it "another step toward the pervasive use of cameras by the government to monitor and regulate the conduct of its people. There may be times when this type of surveillance is appropriate. I am, however, reluctant to approve its use in the absence of extraordinary circumstances."
A spokesman for the governor said Ehrlich was disappointed yesterday and continues to believe that the measure opens the door for other jurisdictions.
"Before you know it, it's a statewide bill," said press secretary Henry Fawell.
The General Assembly has reversed 15 of Ehrlich's vetoes this session -- the most in decades. There were no veto overrides during Parris N. Glendening's eight years as governor and only two during William Donald Schaefer's. As Democrats, they had majorities in the General Assembly.
Staff writer Matthew Mosk contributed to this report.
