- Marion County speed cameras issued 168,000 violations in just 158 days.
- First offenses get warnings, repeat violations trigger $75 and $150 fines.
- Program was conceived as a five-year pilot but could become permanent.
It’s taken less than six months for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to clock more than 168,000 drivers for speeding through construction zones, a number that suggests Hoosiers may need to ease up on the gas pedal.
The state’s new camera enforcement program is catching plenty of attention, and for many motorists, the first encounter will come with a small dose of mercy rather than a fine.
Some Only Get A Warning, For Now
Drivers caught once will receive only a warning letter, but repeat offenders won’t be so lucky. A second or third citation will come with a bill attached, and the state isn’t shy about collecting.
The focus of the crackdown is on the Interstate 465/Interstate 69 work zone in Marion County. Speed cameras have been installed at the site and automatically detect any motorist traveling at least 11 mph (18 km/h) over the posted speed limit, which is set at 45 mph (72 km/h).
Read: Why The Formula Behind America’s Speed Limits Could Be Making Roads More Dangerous
During the first 158 days of enforcement, INDOT issued more than 168,000 violation notices, averaging over 1,000 a day. Of these, 162,096 were first offenses, each resulting only in a warning letter.
Another 4,027 were second offenses, which carry a $75 fine, while 2,412 were third offenses, each costing $150. Altogether, the new speed cameras have helped INDOT collect just over $600,000.
Are Drivers Finally Easing Up?
Local authorities say the presence of the speed cameras has forced local motorists to slow down.
“Overall, we are seeing people slowing down through this work zone,” INDOT spokesperson Natalie Garrett said in early June. “In late May, we did see instances of excessive speed down about 75%, which is pretty significant.”
Originally launched as a five-year pilot, the program now looks set for a longer stay. INDOT currently has the authority to install cameras in four separate construction zones across the state. For the department and its contractors, the results are more than just numbers on paper.
“The industry overall, contractors included, they’re in favor of this program. It’s keeping them safe. It’s keeping those traveling through their workplace every day safe,” Garrett added while speaking with WishTV 8. “Everyone’s getting home safe at the end of the day.”
