DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Several speed enforcement programs across the state are expected to expire in the next few months - However, new legislation could extend those programs for several more years.
One such program is called the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement, a pilot program launched in 2020 to keep drivers and road workers safe.
The program was organized by three state departments including the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike.
“We have vehicles that are in work zones [that] have two cameras attached to them and self-contained radar units on them,” said Crispin Havener, spokesperson for Pa. Turnpike.
First-time violators are given a warning through the mail, second-time violators are fined $75 and third-time violators are fined $150.
The fines are to deter people from becoming repeat violators; drivers will not receive points on their licenses after receiving a violation.
The pilot program is expected to expire in February 2024, despite it being credited with saving lives.
“In the three years since that pilot program began, we have seen a 38% reduction in speeding and a 47% reduction in excessive speeding,” Havener stated.
PennDOT calculated 25% fewer fatal crashes in work zones since the start of the program.
For the program to continue, lawmakers will have to pass House Bill 1662, which is currently awaiting further consideration in the House.
“It’s our hope and goal that eventually this goes beyond the pilot program and becomes permanent,” Havener told FOX43.
In a statement from PennDOT Press Secretary, Alexis Campbell, it was noted that “Pennsylvania has experienced a reduction in work zone crashes since the start of the program while work zone crashes are increasing nationally. Fatalities in Pennsylvania work zones are decreasing, while fatalities in work zones are increasing nationally. Data shows that this program is saving lives and keeping people safer in work zones, not just PennDOT workers and our industry partners, but everyone who travels through them.”