Several residents in the area have asked about the installation of a "weird-looking pole" that was erected recently in the median of 198 near Russett Green East.
According to a representative from the Maryland State Highway Administration, the "flock pole" is being installed at the request of the Maryland State Police (MSP) and will be mounted with automated license plate readers (ALPRs). The flock pole is set up to capture traffic going eastbound on 198 toward the BWI Parkway. Several of these camera installations can be found on other major thoroughfares near the BWI Parkway including one that intersects with the Arundel Mills Parkway.
The use of such cameras along 198 between Russett Green East and Whiskey Bottom Road has been discussed for years by Anne Arundel County Police as a way to help taper the unwanted activity at some of the 198 hotels.
We've made a request with the MSP to better understand why the cameras were requested and what the MSP hopes to accomplish by having them in place.