New York state initiated an innovative program in April to reinforce speed limits in construction and maintenance zones on highways. The five-year pilot program employs 30 radar devices and cameras to monitor roads under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority.
The collected data include license plate numbers and vehicle speeds. The program, which was established in 2021 after the governor signed a bill backed by state legislators like Sen. George Borrello, was introduced to tackle the growing number of worker injuries and fatalities in these areas. Borrello emphasized the importance of keeping employees safe on highways and fulfilling that crucial role.
However, the program has recently garnered attention due to misleading social media posts, including one by an unaffiliated account called “NT Police Blotter – LIVE,” which falsely claimed that the cameras went live on Monday. The post quickly gained traction, with over 2,300 shares in approximately one day.
In response, DOT spokesperson Joseph Morrissey clarified that the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program had been live since April 17, with the aim of encouraging drivers to slow down in state-operated work zones.
While the cameras have been operational for weeks, only warnings have been issued to violators, with fines set to commence next week—30 days after the program’s launch.
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