Automated speed cameras installed in highway work zones for enhanced safety.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced the deployment of automated speed cameras in highway work zones to enhance safety for drivers and construction workers. This initiative follows the enactment of House Bill 664, the Jared Lee Helton Act, which aims to reduce accidents and improve compliance with speed limits in construction areas. The speed enforcement system will monitor vehicle speeds and capture images of violators, with fines reaching up to $500. The program will begin installation this summer and aims for statewide expansion.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has unveiled plans to deploy automated speed enforcement cameras in highway work zones across the Commonwealth, with the primary goal of enhancing safety for both drivers and construction workers. This initiative is a response to recent legislative action and mounting safety concerns in work zone areas.
The deployment of speed cameras follows the enactment of House Bill 664, which was signed into law earlier this year. The law is officially named the Jared Lee Helton Act in honor of a highway worker who was killed in a work zone crash. The legislation aims to improve compliance with posted speed limits, reduce accidents, and promote safer driving behavior in construction areas.
The automated speed enforcement system employs devices similar to radar guns that monitor vehicle speeds within designated work zones. When a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit, the camera captures an image of the vehicle, including its license plate. Law enforcement officers will be stationed nearby to review violations and conduct traffic stops as needed.
Drivers identified for speeding will receive citations in person from officers, and fines can be as high as $500. The system is designed to alert drivers if they are traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit, encouraging adherence to posted limits and reducing reckless driving.
Governor Andy Beshear emphasized that speeding in work zones can be deadly and highlighted the importance of protecting all road users—drivers, passengers, and construction personnel. Kentucky has seen significant safety challenges in recent years, with data showing that in 2024 alone, there were over 1,300 work zone crashes, resulting in seven fatalities and 185 injuries. Most of these victims are motorists or passengers, underscoring the need for improved enforcement measures.
Officials stress that the goal of the speed camera initiative extends beyond just issuing citations; it aims to prevent fatalities and reduce risks in work zone environments. The priority is to safeguard lives by discouraging dangerous speeding behaviors and ensuring that both drivers and workers are safer.
The initial installation of the speed cameras is scheduled for summer and fall of this year. During this phase, four devices will be set up at strategic locations, including one along Interstate 64 in Shelby County and others in the Lexington area as well as eastern and south-central Kentucky. These locations are selected based on traffic volume and accident history.
Signage with flashing lights will be prominently displayed in construction zones to inform drivers of the automated enforcement system and to encourage safe driving behaviors. In future phases, the program aims for statewide expansion, allowing for broader coverage of high-risk areas.
Transportation officials note that only police officers have the authority to issue citations, and tickets will not be sent via mail or text message. This approach ensures that violations are confirmed and handled directly by law enforcement personnel, maintaining accountability and procedural integrity.
Transportation Secretary Jim Gray expressed that the initiative is designed to ensure every Kentuckian reaches their destination safely. Major Eric Walker from Kentucky State Police reiterated that the primary focus is preventing fatalities and minimizing risks for motorists and construction crews, rather than solely issuing fines.
The introduction of automated speed cameras in Kentucky’s work zones marks a significant step toward improving highway safety. By combining technological enforcement with visible signage and law enforcement oversight, officials hope to reduce speeding in construction areas, protect lives, and foster a culture of safer driving in the state.
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