HB94 would allow the state, as well as counties and cities within Delaware, to enforce speed limits by electronic speed monitoring in specific residential areas. The legislation would automatically issue $50 tickets for drivers speeding 11mph+ over the speed limit.

In recent years, Delaware has been ranked the most dangerous state for cyclists. Improvements to road safety are needed in our state and we believe this bill is a great start. However, we believe amendments are needed to ensure this bill protects the rights of community members. Currently, the proposed bill exhibits a few blindspots & therefore we're proposing the following amendments:

1.) Ensure a right to appeal: According to the proposed bill, civilians would only be able to challenge a ticket if it's more than $100. Since the tickets are priced at $50, it means nobody would ever get a chance to appeal. Ensuring the right to appeal is essential to protecting the rights of Delawareans. Moreover, it has been found in several instances that speed cameras can inaccurately issue tickets. Without an appeal process, there is a significant risk that individuals could receive tickets that they are not responsible for.

2.) Issue warnings to first-time offenders: Given the primary objective of this bill is to improve road safety rather than collecting funds, it is important to implement an effective warning system. Such systems offer the opportunity to promote awareness and education among drivers, ultimately leading to safer roads. As evidenced in Seattle, where a warning system was implemented, a remarkable 95% of residents who received a ticket never received a subsequent ticket at the same location. This shows the positive impact that a warning system can have in reducing repeat offenses and fostering a culture of compliance among drivers.

3.) Study racial impact: In order to address and mitigate concerns regarding racial bias in traffic enforcement, it is crucial to establish a comprehensive framework for collecting and analyzing relevant data. By systematically gathering data it becomes possible to identify and evaluate any potential disparities or patterns that may indicate racial bias. This data-driven approach enables policymakers to take appropriate measures to rectify any unjust practices. This approach would help us mitigate racial bias within this new form of traffic enforcement.

Send a letter to your legislators to support these amendments to HB94!