Bowie Police are testing new mobile speed cameras in residential areas starting September 5 to tackle speeding complaints, and for now, they’ll only issue warnings for 60 days. This comes after struggles with fixed-speed enforcement, and the city is excited to explore options outside school zones.
Here are the highlights:
- The Bowie Police Department is testing three new types of mobile speed cameras starting September 5.
- The tests aim to find the best long-term tool for a new permanent mobile speed camera program.
- The initiative responds to years of resident complaints about speeding in residential areas.
- City police have struggled to enforce speed limits effectively with fixed officer locations.
- Speeding tends to resume once officers leave a monitored area.
- State law previously limited speed cameras to school zones, but a 2021 law change allows for testing in other areas.
- The test will run for sixty days and will only issue warnings.
- Test mobile cameras will be placed on several streets including Dolphin Way, Pin Oak Parkway, and Race Track Road.
- Existing speed cameras in school zones will remain operational and continue to issue citations.
Stay informed
Sign up for my newsletter and join more than 3,500 of your Bowie neighbors getting regular updates directly from Mayor Mike.
Mobile Speed Camera Test
The Bowie Police Department is testing three new types of mobile speed cameras in residential areas starting September 5. The goal is to test equipment to find the best longterm tool for a new permanent mobile speed camera program. The tests will run sixty days and issue warnings only.
The initiative comes after years of resident complaints about residential speeding. City police have struggled to enforce speed limits with officers monitoring speeds from fixed locations. These efforts tended to reduce speeds only when officers were visibly present, only to see speeding resume shortly after officers moved to subsequent locations.
Per state law, city police were previously only able to install and maintain speed cameras in school zones.
A change in the law during the 2021 Maryland General Assembly Session allowed Bowie to begin exploring additional speed camera options outside of school zones. City police stress that existing speed safety programs don't generate much public revenue and are first and foremost about curbing excessive speeding in areas of concern.
Test mobile cameras are slated for the below streets over the 60 day trial period.
Dolphin Way
Pin Oak Parkway
Race Track Road
Belair Drive
Tulip Grove Drive
Pointer Ridge Drive
Mitchellville Road
Excalibur Road
Existing speed cameras in school zones remain operational and will continue to issue citations. More information on the city's speed camera programs can be found here.
See the latest Chief Chat with updates from Bowie Police Chief John Nesky here.