Equipment mounted on SUV captures images as scofflaws pass
From Staff ReportsCumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — More than 5,000 citations have been issued since June for work zone speed violations on eastbound Interstate 68 in the city through the State Highway Administration’s automated speed enforcement in work zones.
A speed camera situated at I-68 eastbound at Patterson Avenue logged 3,478 violations in June and 2,032 violations in July, according to the SHA and its website at www.safezones.maryland.gov. When SHA installed the camera in early June, officials said that warnings would be issued through the end of the month. As of July 1, speeders would be issued a citation.
The citations result in a $40 fine for the civil violation of exceeding the posted work zone speed limit of 55 mph by 12 miles or greater.
Violators are mailed citations with accompanying images showing and detailing alleged violations. Violators may also view the photographs on the website by entering their citation or violation number.
Violations are mailed no later than 14 days after the violation occurs for registered Maryland vehicles. Out-of-state violators are mailed citations no later than 30 days after the violation.
Failure to pay the fine or contest the violation can result in additional fees and penalties. Any alleged violation may also be appealed.
Citations are issued for alleged speed violations in the work zone even at times when no work is taking place there.
Traffic signs warn ap-proaching drivers of the speed camera’s presence and a speed trailer alerts the drivers before they reach the camera.
Work on the Kelly Road/Patterson Avenue project began in May and will be complete by fall 2014, weather permitting. SHA will remove and replace the surfaces of both bridges, rehabilitate the end supports, clean and paint the structural steel, pave the approach roadways, upgrade traffic barriers, and install new signs and reflective pavement markings.
According to the SHA, the goal of the program is to encourage change in driver behavior and to increase driver awareness of the impacts of speed-related crashes in work zones.
Driving too fast for conditions is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes.
Nearly one-third of all fatal crashes are speeding related, according to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration data cited by the SHA.
