Cumberland — Every year, not-so-bright ideas emerge during the Maryland General Assembly’s 90-day session in Annapolis. One of this year’s ill-advised proposals would do away with front license plates on Maryland-registered vehicles.
The proposal is being championed by Delegate Donald Elliott, a Republican who represents portions of Frederick and Carroll counties. Elliott testified in favor of the bill last Friday.
From a cost-savings approach, the bill makes sense. From a public safety standpoint, it falls way short.
The Department of Legislative Services said the single-plate idea would save the state $518,700 in the next fiscal year and $719,700 by fiscal 2015.
But what about the impact on public safety? Maryland State Police testified that the two-plate requirement has helped law enforcement solve crimes when witnesses or security cameras spot front license plates. And the Maryland Transportation Authority uses video images on the fronts and backs of cars to catch people who fail to pay tolls using cash or E-Z pass.
Elliott told the House Environmental Matters Committee that he contacted transportation officials and police in other states and was told the single plates made no difference to public safety or toll collection. But common sense would dictate that there are times when a front license plate number is the only information a police agency has to go on.
While we understand Elliott’s desire to save taxpayer money, in this case it is penny-wise, pound-foolish. Enhanced public safety trumps the dollar.
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