Since its inception last year, New York’s Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program has amassed over $4 million in fines from drivers speeding through construction zones. Initiated by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2021, the program, managed by the New York State Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority, aims to bolster safety on highways by deterring speed violations in work zones. Following a 30-day warning period, the program officially launched in May, resulting in more than 130,000 speeding violations statewide.
The breakdown of fines collected shows the Thruway Authority garnering $1.81 million, while the Department of Transportation has collected $2.85 million. Despite the significant amount collected, thousands of payments remain outstanding, with nearly 7,500 violations on the Thruway and 3,754 on DOT roadways either unpaid or under dispute. Notably, a fraction of these violations are attributed to repeat offenders, highlighting the program’s challenge in curbing habitual speeding.
The AWZSE program stipulates a fine for drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph in work zones. With safety as its primary goal, the program has seen a reduction in average speeds within these zones, and 60% of the collected fines are allocated to further work zone safety initiatives. As the program continues, both state agencies are exploring ways to effectively use the surplus funds to enhance highway safety further.
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