Miniature Speed Surveillance Cameras In Maryland's Future? 4/09

One of the problems with passing laws in a technological society is that the assumptions that legislators might have when the vote on legislation in 2009 can change so quickly as the technology evolves.

Take the speed surveillance camera legislation as an example.  It was the topic of discussion last Friday on the Ron Smith show on WBAL radio.

Political commentator Blair Lee discussed the experience of Montgomery County which has piloted a speed surveillance camera program over the last year.  He explained that the cameras are big, bulky devices attached to a van and that once installed in a neighborhood, the members of the community quickly become aware of their locations.  Therefore the cameras prey on out-of-towners and become cash cows for local governments.

But, what if the technology changes?  How quickly will the speed surveillance camera technology change?

Once the legislation sponsored by Governor Martin O’Malley passes this year, how soon before the devices become highly mobile and practically undetectable?  Will constituents hold their elected officials accountable when that occurs?

That mobile and undetectable technology is being perfected in Scotland now – within two years a miniature surveillance speed camera that rests only 4mm about the surface of the road will likely be widely available.  Known as “cat’s eyes,” the devices can rest undetectable inside lane guidance bumps – to see a photograph Click Here 

How long will it be before the “cat’s eyes” come to a neighborhood in Maryland near you?