The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is installing speed cameras at select work zones this summer that will monitor the speeds of drivers traveling through the area.
Work zones equipped with speed cameras will have signs alerting drivers to their presence. Speeding and traffic violations can carry a $500 fine when workers are present.Â
Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray says the goal of the cameras is to increase public and employee safety.Â
Kentucky State Police Major Erik Walker says the cameras will have radar capabilities, so if any speeding drivers pass a work zone their vehicle’s information will be documented and instantly sent to an officer in the area.
Chad LaRue with the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors, says the number one risk road workers face is the exposure to live traffic. LaRue hopes the cameras encourage drivers to slow down and be more attentive while traveling through work zones.
The work zone cameras come after over 1,200 work zone crashes occurred last year, resulting in seven deaths and nearly 300 injuries according to the transportation cabinet.
Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet