construction sign

The high-profile death of Ashley Dawn Richards highlighted the need to make changes to traffic safety on our highways.  After the 18 year old flagperson was struck and killed while working  in a construction zone last summer, the provincial government was quick to take action.

Among the changes to improve traffic safety was the implementation of photo radar technology in highway construction zones.  Just over a week ago it was implemented and, according to Highways Spokesman Doug Wakabayashi, it is now rotating in random locations throughout the province.

"Obviously people exceeding the speed limit have been observed," he says but, so far, drivers who exceed the 60km/h speed limit have only been issued warning tickets to allow time to iron out any possible kinks in the system and to ensure that the equipment is working the way it's intended to.

"For obvious public safety reasons we won't be saying how long this period will last."  So far, Wakabayashi says, they haven't noticed any significant issues with technology.

In terms of what is and what isn't considered a construction zone,  he says there shouldn't be any confusion.  An orange sign will indicate the presence of a work zone and, as you approach, you should see a white sign with the 60km/h speed limit and a tab that reads "Fines Triple."

When there's no work going on, the 60km/h speed limit sign will be covered unless there's a condition that requires reduced speed at all times.  "Like, for example, we've got windrows up on the shoulders or we've narrowed traffic while we're doing bridge work or something like that."

When photo radar is present, there will be a sign that indicates there is  photo radar enforcement.  The key, Wakabayashi says, is the white speed limit signs posted in construction zones.

Previously, fines for speeding in the work zone started at $140 and increased by $2 to $4 for every kilometre over the speed limit.  Now, the base fine is $210 and will increase by $3 to $6.  As an example, a driver who speeds through a work zone at 100 km/h, would be fined $530.