WATERBURY, Conn. — The safety project that sought to crack down on drivers speeding through construction zones just wrapped up and officials are calling it a success.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation's “Know the Zone” - which included parking white SUVs with cameras inside at work zones across the state - ran from April to the end of December 2023.
State transportation officials said the safety program was a success and that state police caught around 25,000 cars speeding through construction zones, and more than 700 were issued citations.
"We need people to slow down on Connecticut roadways," said Josh Morgan, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation. "The cameras were there to alert drivers of their behaviors and to help protect the workers that are out there."
State data shows 2,774,478 vehicles passed through work zones. Approximately 541,920 cars were speeding under 15 mph, but 24,875 cars were speeding more than 15 mph and were issued warnings. Data shows 724 drivers were issued at least $75 citations after not listening to a prior warning.
"When we look at the data and see 25,000 people got a warning but 700 people got a ticket that’s good news in our mind that means 24,000 people got that letter in the mail and said they course corrected and changed their behavior," said Morgan.
Morgan said there may be a push to make the safety program permanent.
"We’re looking at the data and combing through the speeds what we’re seeing on our roadways with and without the cameras," said Morgan. "This upcoming legislative session we’ll continue those conversations.
The findings will be presented to the state legislature this legislative session.
Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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