Drivers Beware: More Speed Enforcement Cameras Are Popping Up in Mtgy.

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By Jessica Gertler

Story Created: Mar 21, 2013 at 6:07 PM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 21, 2013 at 6:07 PM CDT

Montgomery Police are unveiling new patrol cars equipped with speed cameras, but where will they be put?

These speed cameras will be placed in three different areas: construction zones, neighborhoods, and school zones.

Major Keith Barnett is commander of Montgomery's Traffic Division. He unveiled four new patrol cars equipped with speed enforcement cameras.

"It has been extremely successful," says Barnett.

Police launched the road safety camera program last January, and since then, they have issued more than 6,900 violations, most in school zones.

But what do police consider speeding?

"Fifteen miles an hour and you're doing 16 in a school zone then you're speeding by law. I don't want to discuss what the thresholds are and things like that, because if I tell you a threshold level, then people are going to push that threshold level," says Barnett.

If a camera catches you speeding, this isn't a traditional ticket. It's a civil citation, and you will have to pay a $60 fine, and a $25 late fee.

"It doesn't go on your driving record. You don't get points taken away from you on your driver's license," says Police Chief Kevin Murphy.

Murphy says in the last six months, the number of violations issued by the speed cameras dropped 64 percent. He says the program is working to deter speeding, and residents agree.

"[Harrison Road] is just dangerous. A lot of fast traffic. It would be a good idea," says Robert Gilbert.

Others like Joshua Cole want more officers catching speeders. He says cameras aren't accurate.

"Not by any means, because I just don't see how a camera can clock accurate speed," he says.

But Barnett assures that these speed cameras are the real deal, and are no different than a police officer clocking your speed.

"The radar is certified. Just as certified as radar used by a police officer," he says.

These speeding tickets go through strict scrutiny. Not only does the American Traffic Solutions look them over, but a police officer also signs off on each one.

The cars were paid by American Traffic Solutions. The city is leasing them for $1 a year. In return, the company gets part of every fine paid although police wouldn't tell us how much.

The cars do not run on gas. They are battery powered.
 
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