Drivers Taken by Surprise as County Speed Cameras Hand Out 1,000 Tickets Daily | Carscoops

      Indiana DOT's new speed cameras are issuing over 1,000 tickets daily, raking in hundreds of thousands in fines from speeders in construction zones.

      Marion County's speed cameras have issued 168,000 violations in just 158 days.

      First-time offenders receive warnings, while repeat violations incur fines of $75 and $150.

      The program was intended as a five-year pilot but may become a permanent fixture.

      In less than six months, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has recorded over 168,000 speeding incidents in construction zones, indicating that drivers may need to moderate their speed.

      The state's new camera enforcement initiative is attracting significant attention, with many drivers initially receiving a warning instead of a fine.

      Some Drivers Only Receive a Warning, For Now

      Motorists caught for the first time will only get a warning letter, but those who offend repeatedly will face fines. A second or third offense will come with a bill, and the state is diligent about collection efforts.

      The crackdown is primarily focused on the work zone at Interstate 465/Interstate 69 in Marion County. Speed cameras have been set up in this area and automatically capture any driver exceeding the posted limit by at least 11 mph (18 km/h), which is 45 mph (72 km/h).

      During the initial 158 days of enforcement, INDOT issued more than 168,000 violation notices, averaging over 1,000 per day. Of these, 162,096 were first offenses, resulting in only warning letters.

      Another 4,027 were second offenses, incurring a $75 fine, while 2,412 were third offenses, each carrying a $150 charge. Overall, the new speed cameras have enabled INDOT to collect just over $600,000.

      Are Drivers Finally Slowing Down?

      Local officials report that the presence of speed cameras has compelled motorists to reduce their speed.

      “Overall, we are observing that people are slowing down in this work zone,” INDOT spokesperson Natalie Garrett said in early June. “In late May, we noted a 75% reduction in instances of excessive speed, which is quite significant.”

      Initially introduced as a five-year pilot, the program now appears poised for a more extended presence. INDOT currently has the authority to implement cameras in four different construction zones across the state. For the department and its contractors, the outcomes represent more than mere statistics.

      “The industry, including contractors, is supportive of this program. It’s enhancing safety for workers and for those traveling through their work sites,” Garrett stated while speaking with WishTV 8. “Everyone is returning home safely at the end of the day.”