Traffic Cameras In Montgomery: Legal Or Not?

Traffic cameras are legal in Montgomery, Alabama, and Montgomery County, Maryland. Montgomery, Alabama, was the first municipality in the state to implement red light cameras, which have helped decrease incidents of collisions at intersections where cameras are installed by more than 50%. Montgomery County, Maryland, has a planned 200-camera system that is being built in coordination with the implementation of the FiberNet project. These cameras are used to monitor traffic flow and provide live video snapshots to internet users, aiding in incident response and road condition monitoring.

Montgomery County's ATMS system

Montgomery County, Maryland, with a population of 870,000, 3,000 miles of roadways, and a major mass transit system, is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Recognizing the need for efficient transportation management, the county is implementing an Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS).

The ATMS is operated from the Transportation Management Center (TMC) and leverages over 20 years of expertise in designing, constructing, and maintaining a real-time computerized signal system with over 930 traffic signals. The system is designed to offer control, monitoring, and traveller information to reduce traffic congestion, travel time, and accidents, prioritizing safety and efficiency.

The ATMS incorporates various Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) projects and capabilities, including advanced traffic-responsive signal control for up to 1,500 signals, a 230-camera video surveillance system, electronic transportation monitoring systems, and live television broadcasts of transportation information on County Cable Channel 6.

The ATMS is based on an open architecture that promotes the integration of systems from multiple vendors. It comprises multiple integrated subsystems, including traffic-responsive signal systems, changeable lane use signs, detection technologies, traffic video camera systems, aerial traffic monitoring, vehicle probes, and more.

The ATMS is designed by users and implemented by various contractors, ensuring a collaborative and adaptable approach to transportation management in Montgomery County.

Suggesting speed camera locations

Speed cameras, also known as 'traffic cameras' or 'safety cameras', have been in use since the 1990s. While they are a source of debate among motorists, they have been shown to improve road safety. Speed cameras are typically placed in accident-prone areas or locations where speeding is common.

• Fixed cameras: These are the most common type of speed cameras, positioned at the side of busy roads. Fixed cameras can be rear-facing (Gatso) or forward-facing (Truvelo). To identify fixed camera locations, you can use online resources such as speed camera databases or maps. For example, SCDB.info provides a worldwide speed camera map where you can zoom in and click on a speed camera to obtain additional information.
• Mobile cameras: Mobile speed cameras are commonly used on highways and motorways and are often operated by local police forces. They can be mounted inside vans or cars, or manually operated by officers using radar guns. To stay informed about mobile camera locations, follow online updates and press releases from local speed camera partnerships or law enforcement agencies.
• Average and variable speed cameras: Average speed cameras record a timestamp as a vehicle travels between two cameras, calculating its average speed. Variable speed cameras are similar but are not in use at all times. They are often employed on smart motorways to manage traffic and congestion.
• Traffic monitoring systems: Transportation departments in some regions, such as Montgomery County, provide online interfaces to view traffic monitoring cameras. These systems allow you to see the locations and orientations of the cameras.
• Technology-based solutions: With advancements in technology, there are now various equipment options available to help you identify speed camera locations while driving. This includes speed camera detectors, GPS devices with built-in camera notifications, mobile apps, and dash cams with camera notification features.

By utilising these methods, you can stay informed about speed camera locations and make safer driving choices. Remember, the goal of speed cameras is to improve road safety and reduce speeding-related accidents and fatalities.

Red light camera fines

In Montgomery County, Maryland, traffic cameras are used to enforce the law and ensure road safety. The county's Department of Police operates an automated traffic enforcement program that issues civil violations similar to parking violations. When a vehicle runs a red light, the camera system captures three images of the violation:

• The first image shows the vehicle before it crosses the white stop line, with the traffic light visible in red.
• The second image shows the vehicle continuing through the intersection while the light is still red.
• The third image is a close-up of the violator's license plate.

The registered owner of the vehicle receives a $75 civil citation, which can be paid online, by mail, by phone, or in person. Failure to pay the fine will result in the inability to renew the vehicle registration.

In Montgomery, Alabama, a similar automated traffic enforcement camera system is in place. When a vehicle runs a red light, the camera system captures the same three images as described above. Drivers photographed running red lights will receive a $60 citation. The City of Montgomery Police personnel review all citation images to verify violations. The camera systems only operate when the traffic light is red, capturing images of actual violations.

Since the implementation of the red light cameras in Montgomery, Alabama, the city has seen a significant decrease in incidents of collisions at intersections where the cameras are installed, with a reduction of over 50% and even exceeding 80% in some cases. This has contributed to Montgomery becoming the 6th safest driving city in the United States.

Camera footage usage

The usage of camera footage varies depending on the type of camera and the location.

Montgomery, Alabama

In Montgomery, Alabama, an automated traffic enforcement camera system has been implemented at various intersections throughout the city. These cameras are used to capture images of vehicles running red lights, resulting in a $60 citation for the driver. The system captures three images of the violation: the first image shows the vehicle before crossing the white stop line with the red traffic light visible, the second image shows the vehicle continuing through the intersection during the red light, and the third image is an up-close shot of the violator's license plate. The camera systems only operate when the traffic light is red, capturing images of actual violations.

Montgomery County, Maryland

Montgomery County, Maryland, operates a comprehensive traffic monitoring system with approximately 160 cameras online, with plans to expand to 200. These cameras have automated pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities, providing valuable information about traffic flow. The video footage is used by the Transportation Management Center (TMC) to provide live video snapshots of traffic conditions to internet users, aiding in trip planning. Additionally, the footage is shared with the media and other government agencies, such as the County Police, Fire & Rescue Emergency Communications Center (ECC), and the Division of Highway Services. Local broadcast television stations like NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, and News Channel 8 have direct links to the TMC for real-time video access. The camera footage is particularly useful during adverse weather conditions and incident response, allowing for better traffic flow management.

The website also provides specific camera locations within Montgomery County, Maryland, such as "I-495 @ New Hampshire Ave (MD-650)" and "Georgia Ave (MD-97) @ Bel Pre Rd." These cameras can be viewed through the County's ATMS VIDEO MONITORING SYSTEM interface, allowing users to select specific camera locations and view live image feeds.

Montgomery County, Maryland, also has a process for requesting speed cameras in specific locations. Residents can suggest placements by emailing the Program's Manager. The process involves pre-enforcement verification, considering factors such as site surveys, pedestrian activity, community and environmental concerns, and data analysis. The final approval for speed camera locations is given by the Director of the Police Department's Traffic Division, and the sites must be advertised in a newspaper before enforcement begins.

Camera locations

Montgomery County, Maryland, has a comprehensive network of traffic cameras in place, allowing for effective traffic monitoring. These cameras are strategically positioned at key intersections and roadways to provide a clear view of traffic flow.

The camera locations are as follows:

Frequently asked questions