Speed Camera Coming to Perry Hall May 1

A near is scheduled to be up and operating by May 1, Baltimore County government announced Monday afternoon.

Officials also announced that a speed camera is planned near Johnnycake Elementary School in Catonsville—together, the Perry Hall and Catonsville speed cameras will bring the county's total to 17.

Are speed cameras a useful way to calm traffic, or an example of government overstretching its bounds? Tell us in the comments.

Patch on plans for a speed camera along Ebenezer Road near Perry Hall High School in September 2011, when a sign was accidentally installed, warning drivers that the 30 mph speed limit was "Photo Enforced."

At the time, the potential for a speed camera as a traffic calming measure.

The sign was after an order for a speed camera was redirected from Perry Hall High School to , according to Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson.

Johnson said, however, that a speed camera was intended for Perry Hall in 2012.

Under previous legislation, the total number of speed cameras in county school zones was restricted to 15. But on Jan. 1, 2012, under a new contract and a law approved by the County Council in February, the county was allowed to in school zones.

Thirty days after a speed cameras is activated, drivers in the designated school zone, exceeding the speed limit by at least 12 mph, will receive a warning. After 30 days, the cameras will begin issuing $40 citations, according to the county release.

Based on state law, speed cameras will operate year-round, only between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, the release showed.

Shortly after the announcement on Monday, in an email to constituents, emphasized that he increasing the number of speed cameras in Baltimore County.

"I did not vote for the speed camera program, but I believe my constituents should be aware of the presence of these devices in their community," Marks stated.

Find a full list of speed cameras in Baltimore County here.