To increase safety for highway crews, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is beginning to install automated speed enforcement cameras in active work zones.
The first work zones to receive cameras this week and in coming weeks are in the vicinity of Lexington, Corbin and Shelbyville. The devices will not be active at first, giving drivers time to adjust to the presence of the new technology before enforcement begins in October.
Additional locations may be added later this year.
House Bill 664, signed into law this year, authorizes automated speed enforcement in active work zones.
Work zones with automated enforcement will feature clear warning signs and flashing lights so drivers know when they are approaching an area where cameras are active. Tickets will only be issued in person by law enforcement officers based on detector data, and fines can be up to $500 when workers are present.
The Kentucky State Police will oversee enforcement at the initial locations for the remainder of the year.
“Every Kentuckian deserves to make it home safely,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “We’re hopeful this initiative will inspire drivers to be more aware of their speeds in every work zone to avoid preventable crashes and save lives.”
“Every day, our crews head into work zones knowing they’re exposed to real risks from speeding traffic,” said Chad LaRue, executive director of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors. “This effort is a great step to ensure our contractors and crews have safe working conditions, just like anyone else.”
Photo: An example of a highway speed camera in a Washington state work zone (WSDOT)
