Work zones can put some pressure on the flow of traffic. When there are fewer lanes for drivers to occupy, traffic jams are more likely to occur. Those feeling stressed because of a traffic slow down may then respond when the flow of traffic improves by speeding in an attempt to make up for lost time.
Speeding where road crews are present is a serious safety concern for those employees. There’s certainly reason for concern, as the state reported 1,800 crashes at work zones in 2018. In response to those risks, the state introduced the Automatic Work Zone Speed Enforcement program. There are now frequently cameras in work zones on highways and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Is the system fair to drivers?
How the state aims to deter speeding near construction zones
The installation of cameras that can capture people’s speed near construction zones should serve as a deterrent, but the rate at which the state cites drivers seems to indicate otherwise. The cameras record the information of anyone driving at 11 miles per hour (mph) or more over the posted limit.
In just over two years, the state has issued 963,756 citations using these cameras. The first time a driver is caught on camera, they receive a warning. Second offenses can lead to tickets of $75, which doubles for someone facing a third or subsequent citation.
The system does have certain safeguards in place, including a requirement for not one, but two signs posted in close proximity to the camera to warn drivers that they will soon be subject to camera-related speed enforcement.
Can you fight a camera-related citation?
When an automated system detects your speed, identifies your vehicle and essentially determines that you broke the law, you may end up paying a hefty fine and having another traffic infraction on your driving record.
Drivers who believe that they received an unfair citation because they simply traveled with the flow of traffic or were not exceeding the posted speed limit may have grounds to fight back against their ticket in court. Anyone cited for a moving violation has the right to defend themselves to avoid the license consequences and financial penalties, including fines and increased insurance rates, that come from major traffic tickets.
Choosing to fight back can be the best way to minimize the consequences of a questionable traffic citation that you recently received.