New speed photo enforcement vans coming to work zones

IDOT is unveiling five new photo enforcement vans that will be used throughout Illinois work zones starting this construction season, a continuation of a program that traces back 20 years ago. The vehicles are the result of a new contract with Modaxo, which allows for as-needed equipment updates and a “train the trainer” program that will put operations firmly in the hands of IDOT and Illinois State Police.

Bearing clear markings designating them as speed photo enforcement vehicles, the vans feature updated technology and a large sign that displays the speed of approaching vehicles. Highway Safety Programs Unit Chief Juan Pava said the improved technological features are a boon to the program. 

“We are going to have lidar-based speed detection, which is a huge improvement over our previous contract that had radar speed detection,” Pava said. “We have new cameras with much higher resolution, as well as new safety features within the units to keep the troopers who are deploying them safe. We’re hoping that with this new technology, we’ll be able to get better metrics to truly understand the speed issues in work zones and increase the effectiveness of the speed photo enforcement program.”

The vehicles will be used exclusively in work zones while workers are present, as mandated by the 2004 passage of the Automated Traffic Control Systems in Highway Construction or Maintenance Zones Act. Through district staff, IDOT determines where the vans should be deployed, with ISP troopers staffing them and handling any necessary ticketing.

“Speeding is one of the main causes of crashes in work zones,” said Pava. “The vans give drivers ample warning that they may be going over the speed limit and the incentive to slow down before a speeding event is captured.”

The goal is to save lives.

“This is not a revenue generating program. The primary benefit is speed reduction and behavior change,” said Work Zone Safety Engineer Nathan Peck. “That’s why we use a big white van. We want it to be visible. It’s all about deterrence, presence and visibility.”

According to Pava, Illinois boasts one of the longest-standing speed photo enforcement programs in the nation.

“The original speed photo enforcement program was based on a study we did with the University of Illinois back in 2004, which demonstrated that the speed photo enforcement units decreased speed in work zones on average by about 8 mph, which brings average speeds closer to the posted work zone speed limits," Pava said. "That speed reduction is the first step to keeping our workers and road users safe.”

ISP Capt. Bill Langheim said that he’s seen the program work firsthand.

“When drivers see these vehicles, it slows down traffic,” Langheim said. “These are effective tools.”