New York’s Speed Camera Trial in Work Zones Could Become Permanent

New York State officials are advocating to make the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Pilot Program permanent, citing its success in improving driver behavior and enhancing worker safety. Initiated in April 2023, the program deployed 30 speed camera units in highway work zones, leading to over $11.7 million in collected fines and a reported reduction in traffic incidents. Although originally planned as a five-year trial, transportation authorities argue that the program’s early results justify permanent implementation. Additionally, lawmakers are being urged to classify assaults on highway workers as a class D felony to further protect road maintenance personnel.