Speed Cameras May Be Coming To All Of Maryland

ROCKVILLE, Md. (WUSA) -- "It's very safe for all the neighbors and all the kids!" One local man had a quick opinion about speed cameras as he boarded a Metro bus.

Many people agree; speed cameras help keep children safe, especially near schools.

"I think they're excellent," Dominque Pendergraff says. "They make everyone safer."

Legislation is in the works to expand a state law that allows speed cameras only in Montgomery County and the municipalities within its borders. You'll find two cameras ready to catch speeders in each direction in front of Rockville High School. Two more have just gone up in front of Rock Creek Valley Elementary School.

Kevin Miller, who lives across from the school says, "They tried putting police out here, but they were always here at the wrong time. "

He's complained about people speeding, and he's glad to see the cameras go up. "I've seen people slow down, and they're not even hooked up yet," said Miller.

Now, the rest of Maryland could soon see speed cameras. The state senate has passed a bill that would allow all local governments throughout the state to put up speed cameras along school zones and highway work zones. Drivers caught going over 12 miles per hour over the speed limit would be mailed a $40 ticket.

Opponents of the bill say the cameras are just revenue generators for cash-strapped governments.