Baltimore's 50 speed cameras were supposed to be up and running by November first, here it is nearly three months later and only half are installed and most of those only work some of the time.
"We are getting some citations issued at those other locations and even with 26, the word is getting out with those receiving some of those citations," said Randall Scott, Chief of the Department of Transportation’s Traffic Division
Despite the slow camera work, the word is spreading. Since the limited cameras went into effect on November first, there have been 12 thousand citations issued worth nearly a half million dollars.
The city maintains the program is still all about the safety, but without its full compliment of speed cameras, it says the half a million dollars in citations so far is well below the mark.
There were some subcontracting issues involving some of the camera equipment which slowed the process. The City says that is resolved now and Baltimore expects all cameras to be fully functional by early spring. It is still a possible six month delay the city admits is costing revenue.
"We reserved the right under the terms of the contract to pursue liquidated damages if we feel that is the right course to take," said Scott.
The city DOT could not tell us how much money it believes it is losing and would explain no further because of possible legal action.
For city drivers though, the concern is not over the legal game so much as the perceived shell game.
"Kinda sorta,” said driver Alcy Magnolia, “Because it's sorta like a little trap."
The company contracted to install the cameras, ACS is contracted to receive nine dollars for every 40 dollar citation paid.
