The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) pilot program launches next week in Pennsylvania, aiming to change driver behavior to reduce work zone speeds and improve work zone safety.
It is a partnership between the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
Active work zones throughout the state were selected using a data-driven process, and automated speed enforcement units will be deployed at these locations.
Using electronic speed timing devices, vehicle-mounted systems detect and record motorists exceeding the posted speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more. The systems will only be used when workers are present in work zones.
The program will have a minimum 60-day pre-enforcement pilot period, and enforcement will begin early next year.
On the first offense, drivers will receive a warning letter. On the second offense, drivers will receive a $75 fine and a violation notice. All subsequent offenses are punishable by a $150 fine.
In Pennsylvania, there were 1,804 crashes and 23 fatalities in work zones last year.
A total of 45 PTC workers have been killed at work since 1945, and 89 PennDOT workers have been killed on the job since 1970.