We previously reported that
Baltimore City had a previous complaint about an error by a camera at 1300 West Cold Spring Lane that was discussed by city officials and their contractor Xerox Corp (formerly ACS State and Local Solutions) in February and March of 2012 --
the local press and city officials have since confirmed the existence of such errors. Now, additional documents have been provided to StopBigBrotherMD.org which document that problems by this camera were ongoing, and were known to officials in Baltimore City Officials in July of 2012.
The following email was obtained through a Public Information Act Request by a reader of StopBigBrotherMD.org and was then provided to us. We have redacted the names of city employees and the company making the complaint, but the company is a different one than those which we have reported on previously or which have been named in major press reports.
The emails document a complain received from a Virginia-based trucking company on July 13 regarding a citation they received dated 6/28/2012 of West Cold Spring Lane, claiming their truck had been traveling 70mph in a 35mph school zone. "
I have a concern about the speed of 70MPH our truck was clocked at in a 35mph zone. I would like to confirm that radar unit is working properly and the speed is accurate. Our truck speed is set at 65mph on the ECM." Many trucks have ECMs (Engine Control Modules) programmed to act as speed limiters, so that the vehicle cannot exceed the programmed speed. In a follow up email, the company points out that the tractor trailer was in the right lane preparing to make a turn. "We have a real issue with our driver if he was in fact going that fast", alluding to the possible consequences to a professional driver accused of traveling at twice the posted speed limit.
On July 13, city engineers forwarded the complaint to employees at Xerox Corp: Ryan Nicolas and Donovan Wilson. "
Ryan and Donovan, Please see email below and copy of citation attached, this is a concern and we need to resolve this issue before it gets out of hand. We have already supplied the information of several citations with similar issue of erroneous high speed being recorded at Coldspring and Grand View which is very difficult at this location, please have system checked out and update."
As of July 24, the matter was still not resolved. The company wrote "Due date is 7-25... yikes!! That's tomorrow. Do we get an extension on paying this?" The city responded, copying ACS "
We have completed our investigation and will get back to you soon with the results. Thank you for your patience."
However the investigation is still ongoing as of December.
The Baltimore Sun has reported there are indications the errors may not be limited to trucks, and may have affected passenger cars as well.