First phase of Pennsylvania’s Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program begins

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced that the first phase of the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement has begun.

A required 60-day pre-reinforcement period will last until March 4.

The automated system will use cameras and other technology to monitor speeds in active work zones.

Automated speed enforcement units will be set up in active work zones during the pre-enforcement period, but violations will not be issued.

Locations of the systems will be marked with signs and they are also posted on the PennDOT’s website.

"It’s important to remember that the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program isn’t about issuing violations, it’s about saving lives,” said acting PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “The goal is to encourage motorists to slow down in work zones, change their behavior, and ultimately improve safety for both motorists and workers.”

Once enforcement begins on March 4, the following penalties will be in effect:

• First offense: warning letter
• Second offense: violation notice and $75 fine
• Third offense: violation notice and $150 fine

Officials said the violations are civil penalties and no points will be added to drivers’ licenses.

In 2018, there were 1,804 work zone crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 23 fatalities, and 43 percent of work zone crashes resulted in fatalities and/or injuries. Since 1970, PennDOT has lost 89 workers in the line of duty. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1945.

For more information on the AWZSE program, click here to visit PennDOT’s website.

Active construction zones in Pa. will soon have speed cameras Active construction zones in Pa. will soon have speed cameras

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