Potential speed-enforced work zone cameras discussed in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - Maine lawmakers and those associated with roadway construction put a spotlight at the State House on Tuesday on a proposed program to enforce speed limits in work zones.
It comes after two Maine D.O.T. workers lost their lives earlier this month while on the job.
“When someone heads to work not knowing whether the next speeding vehicle could change their life, that’s not just unsafe but completely unacceptable,” commented Executive Director of the Associated General Contractors of Maine Kelly Flagg.
The bill proposes a pilot program for up to three work zones across the state to set up a speed camera. The camera would only be used in active work zones and be triggered when someone is traveling at least 11 m.p.h. above the posted limit.
Offenders would then be fined $100.
“We think this bill’s a success if we don’t have to give out any tickets at all,” answered Executive Director of the Maine Turnpike Authority Andre Briere.
Briere and the Maine Turnpike Authority were among those speaking in favor of the bill. They conducted a study that showed 65-75% of drivers in active work zones were traveling 11 m.p.h. over the speed limit.
If passed, Maine would be the 25th state to enact the proposal.
States that have passed it are seeing an almost 50% reduction in crashes.
“Those are directly lives saved, crashes that don’t happen and people that get to go home to their families every night,” added Briere.
The Turnpike Authority says in the last five years, there’s been nearly 3,000 crashes resulting in almost 1,000 injuries.
The two lives lost in early January, James Brown and Dwayne Campbell, increased the fatalities number to 18.
“When it’s in a work zone and it’s one of our own, it’s our workers that have to respond and care for their fellow workers,” responded Briere. “These are close-knit families.”
If passed, the bill would create a pilot for three years. Then, the Legislature would have to decide whether or not to make it permanent.
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