ROCKVILLE, Md. - While some question if speed cameras are safety aides or just there for governments to make money, Montgomery County (web | news) police say they have new evidence showing the controversial devices are working.

This comes just 24 hours before all of Maryland will be allowed to install them.

They've inspired a bunch of nasty Web sites, have been the target of vandals and have been cursed by countless drivers. But a new report shows speed cameras in Montgomery County may just be making the roads safer.

According to the county's Office of Legislative Oversight, not only did the average speed drop near the cameras, but also the number of accidents dropped by 28 in one year. The number of fatalities also dropped 39 percent.

"The public is the reason we have speed cameras -- to help protect drivers," said Council President Phil Andrews.

They also don't hurt the county. They brought in nearly $29 million this year.

At a public meeting Tuesday night, that fact was not ignored.

But as school let out and rush hour heated up, not all drivers had a problem with the speed cameras. "I have no complaint -- especially when next to school zones," said Fei Wang, a driver.

Now citing research that they don't just slow people down but may actually save lives, the county seems to have no plans to put on the brakes.

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