Safe Speed Program
The Bowie Police Department is working to change driving behaviors in Bowie and gain more compliance with existing speed limits. Speed cameras are one of the tools that are being used to implement this program. The first of these cameras went into operation in April on Northview Drive near Northview Elementary School and the second set of cameras were installed in June on Belair Drive near the Belair Annex.
Use of Speed Cameras in Bowie
- Starting April 19, 2010 on Northview Drive near Northview Elementary School. Followed by Belair Drive in June. Other locations to be announced.
- In school zones Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
(regardless of when school is in session) - Cameras triggered for vehicles exceeding speed limit by 12 or more mph.
- Warning citations were issued during first 30 days of program (April 19 - May 18, 2010).
- Civil citations, carrying a fine of $40, issued beginning May 19, 2010.
- Citations will be mailed to vehicle owner
- Additional school zones will be added to the program in the coming months.
Program Description
The City of Bowie Safe Speed is a program run by the Bowie Police Department. It is a safety program focused on changing driver behavior in school zones through a comprehensive effort involving engineering, education and enforcement. The City of Bowie Safe Speed Program uses automated speed enforcement to enhance the safety of motorists and children in school zones within the incorporated limits of the City of Bowie.
The guiding principles are to:
- Clearly identify and effectively communicate speed-related safety problems to the public.
- Make automated speed enforcement sites visible to road users through signage and media outlets.
- Deploy automated speed enforcement in school zones where they fulfill a bona fide need.
- Ensure a fair program by deploying automated speed enforcement only after careful consideration and study.
- Determine the effectiveness of the program through continuous, ongoing evaluations.
How the Program Works
Automated speed enforcement systems are deployed at select school zones throughout the City of Bowie, Maryland and complement the existing speed enforcement efforts of the Bowie Police Department. School zones must be within the incorporated limits of the City of Bowie with speed limits of less than 45 mph.
Automated speed enforcement systems are comprised of a speed measurement device, camera, and a computer. Speed measuring devices identify motorists traveling 12 mph or more over the posted speed limit. Cameras capture license plate images of violations and computers record all of the relevant data associated with the violation.
When a speed violation occurs, the automated speed enforcement equipment records the date, the time and the speed of the vehicle.
A citation that includes images of the violating vehicle is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. Once the violator receives the citation, payment, request for appeal, or written correspondence can be mailed to the City of Bowie Safe Speed Program, PO Box 889, Bowie, MD 20718.
Paying Citation Fines
Appealing Citations, Disputes, etc.
How the Cameras Operate
More
Questions and Answers about the Safe Speed Program
Bowie Police Department |
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Emergency Response: 911 Anonymous Tip Line: |
Administrative Office Hours: Fax: |
Katherine Perez,
Police Chief Mailing address for paying speed camera citations: |
John Nesky, Deputy Police Chief Traffic Safety Unit: |
