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If any proof was needed to show that Montgomery County did indeed install speed cameras for revenue rather than safety, it was The Gazette article of Oct. 21, ["State speed camera law costing county $5 million"].

Although the article quotes no county officials, but assuming the article is accurate in its description, Montgomery County depends on revenue from violators caught on camera to fund its general budget. However, I thought the cameras were installed for the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. So why is the county depending on lawlessness for revenue? Montgomery County did not "lose" $5 million it never had nor did the new Maryland law "cost" the county. Rather, the county foolishly depended on revenue from illegal, unsafe behavior.

For the county to have any integrity in this issue, it should not budget for revenue generated by speed cameras. Rather, all money collected by speed cameras should be deposited in an account to be used no sooner than the next budget cycle. If there's money available, it can then be spent without fear that it will be "lost." If no money is available, then even better — Montgomery will be proud that residents are law-abiding and driving in a safe manner. In any case, no budgets should be dependent upon illegal, unsafe acts.

Richard Zierdt, North Bethesda