A new report from AAA says speed cameras posted in work zones around the Baltimore area are actually getting drivers to slow down.
They're pointing to a decrease in revenue from speeding tickets, and more importantly, a decline in deaths from work zone crashes. Revenue has declined almost 50 percent over the last three to four fiscal years, and you can see it in the number of citations being given out at certain work zones.
For example, take a look at the camera posted on 95 southbound by Eastern Avenue. From May to December of last year, that camera gave out 66,500 citations, but from January to July of this year the number of citations dropped significantly to 13,500 tickets.
Mid-Atlantic AAA says the reason for the decrease is simple, drivers are becoming much more aware of these cameras, therefore, they are slowing down when approaching work zones.
Here is a breakdown of the revenue decrease from these cameras since the fiscal year 2013. That year, the cameras brought in $16 million and the number steadily drops down to $9 million during the fiscal year 2016. That's a 44 percent loss in revenue over that time period.
There are 15 active work zone cameras in Maryland and if you go 12 miles per hour or over the posted limit you will get a $40 citation. The cameras are in operation 24-7, so even when crews aren't there you can still get a citation if you're speeding.
Also worth mentioning, AAA is crediting the cameras for reducing work zone crashes. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, the average number of work zone deaths from 2003 to 2009 was 12 and in the last six years, it's decreased to an average of six.
