DELAWARE -- Delaware lawmakers are considering legislation that would expand the use of traffic and speed cameras across the state.
The bill would allow cameras to be installed in additional locations, particularly along busy roadways, and broaden the types of traffic violations they can enforce. Currently, the cameras are primarily used to catch speeding drivers, but the legislation would authorize them to identify other traffic offenses as well.
An amendment added to the bill would allow local police departments to install traffic enforcement cameras within their jurisdictions and retain revenue generated from fines. Officials say those funds are often used to reimburse the operating costs associated with the camera programs.
"Excessive speeding and traffic violations are one of the primary sources of traffic accidents and traffic injuries. So we would like to get ahead of it," Laurel Police Chief Robert Kracyla said. "It could become a force multiplier for us in that the camera becomes an automated option for us. It gets our eyes to places that we can't always be."
Kracyla told WBOC local departments often aren't the ones who notate where funds from those cameras would go, saying that is often left up to the municipality. Kracyla also emphasized that departments would be implementing cameras for safety reasons.
"We'd rather deter people than punish them," Kracyla said. "The camera on Route 1 has been effective because it has really just turned into a deterrence. It's kind of voluntary compliance rather than forced compliance."
Some residents support the proposal, citing Delaware’s growing population and increased traffic volume.
"I think more cameras would help. Delaware is becoming more populated as people come down here. I think it would help a lot with extra traffic," Cheryl Millet said.
Supporters also argue that additional cameras could improve safety while helping understaffed police departments monitor roadways more effectively.
Others, however, expressed concerns about relying on automated enforcement rather than police officers.
"Outside of a construction zone, I don't feel that it's a proper mechanism for speed enforcement. You don't get to face your accuser. I'm a retired police officer, I don't believe in the whole system of having a machine do your work for you, and then collect revenue from it," said William Berry.
The bill and its amendment are awaiting consideration in the Delaware House after being voted out of committee on Tuesday.
