(December 8, 2010) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and Maryland State Police (MSP) are deploying automated speed enforcement through the Maryland SafeZones program on MD 295 (Baltimore Washington Parkway) just south of I-695 in Anne Arundel County.  The automated enforcement program began this week.

Numerous warning signs are in place in advance of the work zone on north and southbound MD 295 between I-695 and I-195 to alert drivers of automated speed enforcement use.  “Speed trailers” are in place displaying the speed limit and drivers’ speeds.  The posted speed through the work zone is 55 mph.  Warnings are being sent to violators through Dec. 29.

Maryland SafeZones mobile enforcement vehicles using laser technology will continue to rotate among eligible work zones throughout the State.  Other SafeZones include: I-95 between MD 198 and MD 212 (ICC work zone) in Prince George’s County, I-695 at Charles Street, I-695 at Liberty Road and the I-95 Electronic Toll Lane (ETL) project in Baltimore County.  SHA recently removed the US 15/ Hayward Road location in Frederick County as that construction project is now complete.

“The goal of the SafeZones program is to change driver behavior and create a safe environment for workers who have little protection in highway work zones,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen. “Data gathered from automated speed enforcement locations proves that people are slowing down an average of five mph, with a 65 percent decrease in drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph.  With more than 85 percent work zone crashes injuring the driver or passengers, not workers, motorists must slow down and pay attention all the time.”

The law allowing automated speed enforcement was passed during the 2009 legislative session and became effective October 1, 2009.  Transportation Article §21–810 allows law enforcement to use speed cameras to fine drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 12 mph or more in work zones along controlled access roadways with a 45 mph or more speed limit. 

Statewide through the end of October, more than 188,500 citations have been issued in work zones as part of the program.  Citation statistics through the end of November will be posted on the SafeZones website (www.safezones.maryland.gov) this month.

Even when workers are not present, work zones can be dangerous due to reduced lane width, barrier walls, uneven pavement and modified signage placement.  On average, 12 people are killed per year and nearly 1,500 people injured in work zone crashes in Maryland.

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