**This Release has been corrected as to where the speed cameras are located.**
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
* 7500 Maple Avenue * Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
March 16, 2009 (10:00 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci announces today that the City of Takoma Park, Maryland, working with ACS Solutions, has installed speed cameras; one in the 7200 block of New Hampshire Avenue (southbound) and the 7100 block of New Hampshire Avenue (northbound). Two cameras have also been installed in the eastbound and westbound lanes of the 500 block of Ethan Allen Avenue.
This process began in March 2007 when the Mayor and City Council for Takoma Park requested that the Police Department explore the Speed Camera Program. This process involved examining the county program with the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg and Chevy Chase Village.
The county contractor, ACS Solutions, agreed to conduct speed studies in the City. In October 2007, the police department reported to the City Council that the results at the time did not warrant a recommendation for cameras. The Council asked police to conduct another study on additional streets in the City. A second speed study was conducted and in March 2008, cameras were recommended for Ethan Allen Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue. Both roads have significant problems. New Hampshire Avenue has had a total of 413 accidents in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, police issued 501 citations for speeding with an average speed of 50 mph, which is 15 miles over the posted speed limit. In 2007 and 2008, 32 collisions occurred on Ethan Allen Avenue, which for a small road, is a large number. In addition, due to the nature of the road, radar is very hard to accomplish by police personnel. Speed studies showed Ethan Allen Avenue with the most violations after New Hampshire Avenue. New Hampshire Avenue has been undergoing various changes to make it safer for pedestrians and drivers. The State has redone lanes, lights and medians.
The Crossroads Development Authority (CDA), which are all the businesses in that corridor, unanimously voted on March 12, 2009, to endorse the speed cameras on New Hampshire Avenue. This road has been the scene of many tragic accidents involving pedestrians and drivers.
The ultimate goal is to reduce speeding and accidents. If we are successful, then the cameras will come down. The City of Takoma Park is the last municipality to participate, as this was a very slow and deliberate process. Montgomery County and the other municipalities have been very successful in reducing speed and accidents. We are very hopeful for that same success in Takoma Park.
Takoma Park Police will be reporting to the Council and residents of the results. Beginning March 16, 2009, until April 1, 2009, the Takoma Park Police will be issuing warnings to violators driving 11 miles over the speed limit. On April 1, 2009, the Takoma Park Police will begin issuing citations. The Police Department issues citations and makes all decisions regarding citations.
The revenue from this program may be used for the following initiatives in the City:
- Contractual program staffing
- Sidewalk installation
- Trafficking calming measures
- Engineering assistance to help with sidewalk design and installation
- Engineering or planning assistance for bikeways in the City
- Traffic enforcement equipment, i.e., radar, radar display boards, etc.
- Traffic enforcement details
There are other areas in highway safety that these funds can be used.
Two police officers will be directing this program for the City. Anyone with speed camera questions can call our Safe Speed number of 301-891-7138 and leave a message and an officer will get back to you as soon as possible. Any further questions, please contact Chief Ronald Ricucci at 301-891-7104.