App helps D.C. drivers avoid speed camera tickets

WASHINGTON — Thanks to an iPhone app released this week, drivers in D.C. have a new way to avoid getting caught on camera going over the speed limit.

Speed Cameras Alert is designed like a navigation system, but the map is filled with about 200 pins showing the exact locations of speed cameras across the District.

While the app is being used, the phone sounds an alarm as the user approaches the ‘geofence’ surrounding a speed camera. Even if the app is not open, it will still push a notification to the user’s phone.

“Let’s say you are using Google Maps or Waze. You will see a notification at the top saying there is a speed camera ahead,” developer Charles Yeh said in an interview with Fox5.

Apple initially rejected the app, citing concerns with law enforcement. But after Yeh explained that the app shows speed cameras, rather than officers with radar guns, the app was approved and released Tuesday.

Yeh says he plans to expand the app to include cameras in Maryland and Virginia, and he’s started working on an Android version.

See a report from Fox5:

Nick Iannelli

Nick Iannelli can be heard covering developing and breaking news stories on WTOP.

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