BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) The State DOT is watching. Cameras that have been issuing warnings to drivers who exceeded the speed limit in work zones, are now issuing violations to speeders.
"The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program" went into effect
last month, and we gave a 30 day grace period," said State Department of Transportation spokesperson Susan Surdej. "Now the program is fully in effect which means violations will result in fines."
Cameras can be located in construction and maintenance zones on DOT
or New York State Thruway Authority roadways.
"There is clear signage before entering the work zone indicating that your speed is being monitored by radar," said Surdej.
"Radar captures the speed, along with the driver's information. If it exceeds the posted speed limit, a picture is taken and a fine is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle."
Is there any leeway over the posted limit? "I don't know what the exact margin is," but, she added, "the goal of the program is to keep our workers safe."
"At the end of the day, the people working in work zones want to go home safely at the end of the night. These are moms, dads, sisters and brothers. We want drivers to be considerate and attentive when they're driving through our work zones, for everyone's safety," said Surdej.
The state is posting a weekly list of work zones with cameras HERE. Look for the "locations" tab on the left side of the page for updated information.
"The locations are going to change," noted Surdej. "They could be on Rt 5, Rt 33, Rt 400, Rt 219 and 290 Expressway. This week the cameras are on Rt 5, 33 and 400. But they are mobile units and they do move around."
The first violation is $50. A second violation is $75. A third and subsequent violations within 18 months of the first violation will be $100.
The violation will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. It will not result in points on your driver's license.
Surdej insists the goal is not a 'gotcha' situation. The goal is to improve driver behavior and increase safety for the people working in the work zones.