Work zone cameras a success, SHA chief says
State Highway Administrator Neil J. Pedersen told a General Assembly committee today that the speed cameras posted in three highway work zones under a law that took effect last year have been a success during their first three months.
Pedersen said the agency's speed measures in the zones, as well as anecdotal accounts from contractors show speeds are down in the work zones.
"They have definitely noticed a decrease in speed," he said.
In response to concerns that the cameras' purpose was mainly to raise revenue, Pedersen said that so far the cost of the camera program has exceeded collections on fines -- an outcome he said he's happy with as long as speeds are decreased.
Comments
Sounds pretty good to me. Can't imagine what it's like to be a construction worker and having cars scream past you all the time. Good to hear people are slowing down.
Posted by: Fred D | March 3, 2010 4:26 PM
It isn't a success until you can show a reduced number if injury or fatality accidents. What are those numbers? 3 months isn't enough time yet anyway, and then there's factors like traffic volume changes to consider. Just because speeds are lower doesn't mean it's safer if you have a wider variety of speeds, panic braking, and other things going on. Many time cameras cause an INCREASE in accidents where they are installed.
If it's all about safety, let's see how long they keep the cameras if the keep losing money!
Posted by: PhotoRadarScam | March 4, 2010 12:54 AM