Montgomery County Council passes road safety and speed camera expansion bills

The Montgomery County Council has unanimously passed two pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing road safety. Bill 17-26 authorizes the expansion of automated speed monitoring systems in school zones with 20 mph limits and along designated high-crash-risk corridors throughout the county.

During discussions regarding the bill, officials clarified that the county does not have a partnership with Flock, a private camera system provider, stating they would not integrate such systems to avoid associations with how that company operates elsewhere. The legislation allows for the relocation of existing cameras or the addition of new ones based on data-driven needs.

Additionally, the Council passed Bill 27-26 to combat illegal street racing, stunt driving, and street takeovers. This bill increases fines for participants from $1,000 to $5,000 and grants Montgomery County police the authority to seize vehicles used during these events.