Pennsylvania to expand use of speed cameras on roads

New bills regarding the use of speed cameras in work zones and along other roads are already under consideration of the State Government.

The House Transportation Committee voted unanimously to promote a bill that would expand authorization for the use of speed cameras in active traffic zones across the state.

The cameras will issue tickets for speeding more than 11 mph over the posted speed limit in active work zones.

The program shows the date February 16, 2024. The legislation, if passed, would make the program permanent.

Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shows that accidents in places that have speed cameras are reduced by 15 to 50 percent.

One provision of the bill calls for adding a requirement that warning signs be posted 1000 feet in front of a work zone.

In addition, vehicle owners will be allowed to challenge speeding tickets if they were not driving when charged, and will not be required to disclose who was driving at the time.

Another provision would allow vehicle owners to challenge violations at hearings remotely.

The bill awaits further consideration in the House of Representatives.

Earlier this summer, the House of Representatives voted for another bill that would expand the use of automated cameras in Philadelphia.

Since June 2020, speed cameras have been installed across the U.S. Highway 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia).

Violators are issued tickets for exceeding the speed limit on the parkway by at least 11 mph.

Critics say there is a better way to solve the problem of speeding on roadways.

John Williamson of the National Motorists Association told the committee that the 40 mph speed limit on Roosevelt Boulevard is «unrealistically low considering the design of the road».

The bill is in the Senate Transportation Committee.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike will also soon allow the use of speed cameras.

The Independent Driver Owner Association opposes the rulemaking, saying the devices only generate revenue for lawmakers and not safety for drivers.