PennDOT to begin enforcing work zone speed cameras across state

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- There is more reason to refrain from speeding through construction sites in Pennsylvania, beyond it being dangerous for workers.

PennDOT will begin enforcing its statewide Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program next week at more than a half dozen locations statewide.

Speed cameras are located along Route 1 in Bucks County and on the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Route 1.

Cameras will also be used on the Roosevelt Expressway in Philadelphia, I-476 near the Lansdale interchange, and on Interstate 78 in Berks County.

"It's important to remember that the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program isn't about issuing violations, it's about saving lives," said acting PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. "The goal is to encourage motorists to slow down in work zones, change their behavior, and ultimately improve safety for both motorists and workers."

Violators will receive a warning letter for a first offense, a violation notice and $75 fine for a second offense, and a violation notice and $150 fine for third and subsequent offenses.

These violations are civil penalties only; no points will be assessed to driver's licenses.

"When a crash occurs in an active work zone, it's just as likely to result in death or injury to a driver or passenger inside that vehicle," said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. "This program is about protecting everybody's safety. If not for these workers in an active work zone, I ask you to slow down for yourself and other travelers."

In 2018, there were 1,804 work zone crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 23 fatalities, and 43 percent of work zone crashes resulted in fatalities and/or injuries.

Since 1970, PennDOT has lost 89 workers in the line of duty. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1945.

The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program was in a mandatory 60-day pre-enforcement period which ended on March 4.

For more information on the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program, visit WorkZoneCameras.PennDOT.gov.