School Zone Speed Cameras

School Zone Speed Safety Program

The Mayor and Common Council of the Town of University Park have authorized the use of speed monitoring systems in designated school zones and within one-half mile of the University Park Elementary School. The School Zone Speed Safety Program remains an active component of the Town’s traffic safety initiatives, designed to reduce speeding and enhance pedestrian safety near schools.

The Town of University Park initially launched its speed monitoring program beginning August 12, 2021, with the first cameras installed on East-West Highway and Adelphi Road.

Updated Enforcement — Effective October 1, 2025

In accordance with amendments to Maryland Transportation Article §21-809, effective October 1, 2025, the Town of University Park will continue issuing civil citations to vehicles that exceed the posted speed limit by 12 miles per hour or more in designated school zones.

Under the new law, tiered fines will apply as follows:

Why the Program Began

Speeding continues to be one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of roadway fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a contributing factor in more than 12,000 traffic deaths nationwide in 2023, accounting for nearly one-third of all fatal crashes.

A vehicle’s speed significantly impacts a pedestrian’s likelihood of surviving a collision. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph faces a dramatically lower risk of severe injury or death compared to one struck at 30 mph or higher. These findings reinforce the importance of reducing vehicle speeds near schools, where children and families walk daily.

The use of school zone speed safety cameras is authorized under §21-809 of the Transportation Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. The University Park Police Department, in partnership with Verra Mobility, conducted a comprehensive school zone speed study that identified consistent violations and high-risk areas. Based on those findings, the Town implemented the School Zone Speed Safety Program to enhance roadway safety, reduce collisions, and provide officers with more time to focus on community policing and proactive engagement initiatives.

Program Effectiveness

University Park continues to use state-of-the-art digital unmanned cameras and proven violation detection technology to reduce speeding at and around school zones. These automated systems complement officer-operated speed detection equipment and enhance overall roadway safety.

Communities that use school zone speed cameras consistently report fewer crashes, fewer pedestrian injuries, and safer roads near schools. The University Park program has strengthened driver awareness and compliance with traffic control devices — helping ensure that every student, family, and visitor can travel safely within town limits.

Where the Cameras are Located

• School Zone Speed Camera: East West Highway - north side of East West Highway from Baltimore Avenue to Adelphi Road
• Residential Speed Zone: Adelphi Road - north/east side of Adelphi Road from East West Highway to Wells Parkway
• Residential Speed Zone: Baltimore Avenue - south side of Baltimore Avenue from Wells Parkway to Tuckerman Street

How it Works

The Town of University Park utilizes transportable and handheld speed safety cameras. The technology for the cameras is shown in the illustrations below. 

Violations are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle after review and approval of the data and recorded images by a member of the Police Department. The speed safety camera installations represent state-of-the-art technology that is precise and unbiased in its ability to identify vehicles speeding.