Legislation pushed by MITA that allows speed camera enforcement within work zones has passed the legislative process and awaits Governor Whitmer’s signature. Six years ago, after several years of increased fatalities within work zones, MITA and MDOT formed the Work Zone Safety Taskforce, focusing on protecting our workers on job sites. Of the many recommendations from that group, allowing speed camera enforcement within work zones became one of the biggest priorities.
Implementing automated enforcement systems in work zones has been a successful strategy for slowing traffic in 17 other states across the country. In Maryland, reports show that the use of cameras has resulted in an 80% reduction in the number of speeders. In addition, fatalities dropped by half in the first three years of the program’s use.
Ultimately, we likely won’t see automated speed cameras in work zones next year as the Department has to have a 3rd party administer the program and go through the process of finding one. We anticipate it will take MDOT up to a year to implement the program. Eligible work zones include MDOT projects that are 30 days or longer, only where workers are present and not separated by a concrete barrier. The Department will eventually put together specifications for the implementation of camera enforcement in work zones and industry, and the department will work together to determine where the camera enforcement should be placed.
This proven measure will change driver behavior in Michigan and help better protect our employees from accidents occurring. We will continue to work on ways to improve the safety of our work force. Steady pressure and a strong PAC were a major factor in making this common sense tool a reality.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rob Coppersmith, Executive Vice President, at robcoppersmith@thinkmita.org or Lance Binoniemi, Vice President of Government Affairs, at lancebinoniemi@thinkmita.org.
