Speed camera scam today. No speed limit sign. You have to guess!
What a safety fraud speed scameras are!
“However, my reporting shows there is no speed limit sign for drivers entering I-490 East from downtown, meaning the first speed limit sign roughly 7,000 ticketed drivers saw said 55 mph.”
Read the full article at News10NBC
Summary of NYS DOT Commissioner Addressing Work Zone Speeding Tickets in Rochester
Quick Overview
The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued over 25,000 speeding tickets in Rochester within a 24-day period, primarily through automated photo radar enforcement in work zones. This surge has raised concerns from drivers and local officials, particularly regarding the adequacy of posted speed limit signs. DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez defended the program, emphasizing its role in protecting construction workers and improving safety.
Key Points
- High Volume of Tickets: More than 25,000 speeding tickets were issued in Rochester, significantly exceeding the state average.
- Concerns Over Signage: Many drivers reported receiving tickets despite the absence of visible speed limit signs, particularly on the I-490 East on-ramp.
- Safety Justification: The DOT maintains that the program is effective in reducing speeds and preventing accidents in work zones.
- Response to Public Outcry: The DOT is considering changes to improve clarity around speed limits in response to public feedback.
- Future of the Program: The governor’s budget proposal includes making the photo radar system a permanent fixture.
Detailed Breakdown
Volume of Tickets
The automated photo radar system, deployed in Rochester’s work zones, has issued tickets at an alarming rate, with reports indicating over a thousand tickets per day. This figure starkly contrasts the state average of 182 tickets, raising questions about the enforcement strategy.
Concerns Over Signage
Many of the 25,000 tickets were issued to drivers who entered I-490 from downtown, where a clear speed limit sign was reportedly missing. Commissioner Dominguez acknowledged that approximately 7,000 drivers received tickets without having seen a speed limit sign before entering the work zone. This absence has led to legal challenges, with many tickets dismissed in court due to the lack of signage.
Safety Justification
Commissioner Dominguez defended the program, stating, “It’s fundamentally about protecting our workforce.” She noted that the data showed no accidents occurred in work zones with photo radar cameras, suggesting that the program contributes to enhanced safety. Furthermore, she indicated that the longer the cameras were in operation, the more effective they were at reducing speeds.
Response to Public Outcry
In light of the backlash, the DOT is reviewing the current setup of speed limit signs in work zones and exploring the possibility of adding signage on the on-ramp, which requires federal approval. Dominguez indicated that lessons learned from this incident would inform future construction plans.
Future of the Program
The governor’s budget proposal aims to make the photo radar enforcement permanent, reflecting a commitment to continue using technology to enhance road safety. Dominguez emphasized that the DOT would adapt its strategies based on feedback and observed outcomes from the current enforcement efforts.
Notable Quotes & Data
- Marie Therese Dominguez: “If they choose to continue to speed through a work zone every day, I can’t help that.”
- Ticket Statistics: 25,000 tickets issued in 24 days, with over 70% of offenders reportedly not coming off the ramp where the signage was absent.
Context & Implications
The implementation of photo radar systems in work zones represents a growing trend in traffic enforcement, aimed at improving safety for both workers and motorists. However, the controversy surrounding the lack of clear signage highlights the need for transparent and effective communication regarding speed limits. As the DOT considers adjustments, the outcome of this situation may influence future traffic enforcement policies across New York State and beyond, setting a precedent for how automated systems are integrated into road safety measures.
In summary, while the DOT emphasizes the safety benefits of the photo radar program, the concerns raised by drivers about signage and transparency must be addressed to ensure fair enforcement and maintain public trust.