Maine May Soon Begin Using Cameras to Bust You For Speeding

Sure, we have radar detectors, apps and even the friendly flashing of the lights to warn us about upcoming speeders. But, have you ever tried just going the speed limit? I know that's easier said than done- but seriously, it can help decrease the number of tickets you get.

Obviously whether we are constant offenders or have the occasional heavy foot, none of us are going the exact speed limit 100% of the time. However, there are certain times when obeying the posted speed limit is incredibly important. Those times are in school zones and work homes.

I've seen time and time again how people disobey the reduced limits in both of these zones and now the Maine State Legislature might be doing something a little different to enforce the limits in one of them.

According to an article posted by The Kennebec Journal, the Maine Legislature currently has a group of republican and democrat legislators who are in favor of using fixed cameras to catch speeders in Maine work zones.

The proposed bill, LD 1457, would allow for cameras to be used in work zones to catch speeders. That footage would then be used to ID the vehicle's license plate and send a speeding ticket to the driver of the car.

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Sen. Brad Farrin, R-Norridgewock, told the newspaper in part,

“This is not a sweeping mandate. It’s a test. It’s time to take a closer look at what technology can do.”

Farrin expressed support for modifying the bill to add a 90- to 120-day grace period during which drivers would receive warnings instead of penalties. He emphasized that the goal of the legislation is to enhance safety, not to punish.

However, not everyone feels the same way about the proposed change. Maine resident, Jeremy Nichols of Milo, said in part,

“This bill represents yet another step toward excessive surveillance and control over the daily lives of Maine citizens. “The introduction of automated speed control systems in highway work zones may be presented under the guise of safety, but in reality, it paves the way for constant 24/7 monitoring and enforcement.”

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So what say you? Are you in favor of speed enforcement by camera in Maine work zones?