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Eric G. Ritchie is president and CEO of Sargent Corporation in Orono.
I write in support of LD 1457, a Resolve, to Allow the Maine Turnpike Authority to Conduct a Pilot Program to Implement Automated Speed Control Systems in Highway Work Zones, This is a proposal to allow the Maine Turnpike Authority to operate temporary pilot automated speed enforcement in highway work zones.
Every day, Mainers put their lives on the line while doing their jobs in highway work zones. In January two Maine Department of Transportation workers lost their lives while working in work zones. These are not statistics, these are coworkers, parents, husbands, wives and friends, sons and daughters of Maine.
Recent opposition has raised concerns about privacy and cost. While those concerns are understandable, they should be weighed against the urgency of the problem and the safeguards built into this proposal.
First, this pilot program is not funded by taxpayers. It is fully funded by the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA), meaning it does not draw from the state’s general fund or impose new financial burdens on Maine residents. That alone makes it a low-risk opportunity to test a potentially life-saving solution.
Second, the need for action is clear. A study last summer found that average vehicle speeds in MTA work zones is nearly 20 miles per hour over posted limits. That is not a marginal issue — it is a serious and ongoing threat to the safety of road crews and drivers alike.
Third, this is not an untested idea. Twenty-four other states have implemented similar programs and have seen speed reductions of up to 40 percent in work zones. These are meaningful improvements that translate directly into fewer crashes and safer conditions for workers.
It is also worth noting that LD 1457 has already received strong bipartisan support in the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. In an era of political division, that kind of agreement reflects a shared understanding that protecting workers on our highways should rise above partisan lines.
Importantly, this bill establishes a pilot program, not a permanent policy. It allows Maine to evaluate the effectiveness of automated enforcement in a controlled, transparent way before making any long-term decisions.
For those concerned about privacy, the bill includes clear and limited safeguards. The cameras would activate only when a vehicle exceeds the work zone speed limit by more than 11 miles per hour. Only the vehicle’s license plate is photographed — not the driver or passengers — and images are used solely to confirm the violation. After a case is resolved, the photo would be securely deleted. In addition, a third-party data auditor would review the program on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance and accountability. These guardrails ensure the technology is narrowly focused and not used for broader surveillance.
We can and should continue to have conversations about privacy protections and oversight. But I believe those concerns should not prevent us from responsibly testing a tool that has been shown to improve safety elsewhere, especially when the cost to taxpayers is zero and the potential benefit is saving lives.
I think LD 1457 represents a balanced, evidence-based approach to a real problem. It deserves public support.
