Posted: | December 7, 2016 09:46 AM |
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From: | Senator David G. Argall and Sen. Judith L. Schwank |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Construction worker and driver safety initiative in active work zones—pilot program on limited access highways |
In 2015, there were 1,935 crashes in work zones, including 23 deaths, across Pennsylvania. In the near future, we will introduce legislation that will provide for a trial period for additional safety measures in active work zones on highways across the Commonwealth. Specifically, our legislation would provide a five-year trial period for PennDOT to place speed cameras in active work zones on limited access highways. The speed cameras would only be allowed in active work zones on limited access highways. We do not plan to increase the usage of these cameras outside of these narrow parameters. PennDOT shall procure a vendor to administer the program, including buying, maintaining, calibrating and setting up the equipment. The fine ($100) would be attached to the vehicle and would not include any points on a driver’s record. The department shall provide ample notification of locations, placing at least two signs in advance warning motorists of speed cameras in use in the active work zone. At the end of the fourth year of enactment, PennDOT shall provide a report to the General Assembly detailing the statistics over the course of the program to allow the legislature to weigh its effectiveness and decide whether or not to extend the sunset provision. Over a two-and-a-half year period, Maryland realized a reduction from 7.01 percent to 1.06 percent of the amount of drivers exceeding the speed limit in work zones, according to the Nov. 2012 report issued by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Advisory Committee. That same report found that the State Police spent $5.7 million in overtime pay to patrol work zones. With the increased investment in our roads and bridges, it is imperative we ensure the safety of workers and drivers alike. This legislation will mirror Senate Bill 840 of 2015, which was unanimously approved by the Senate on October 18, 2016. |
Introduced as SB172