Missing speed limit sign at LIE work zone camera leaves drivers confused
Without a posted speed limit in the construction area, some motorists said they were unsure how fast they were legally allowed to travel — and worried they could still receive a ticket in the mail.
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Drivers traveling on the Long Island Expressway are raising concerns about highway work zone speed cameras after noticing that at least one construction area lacks a clearly posted speed limit.
One of the state’s truck-mounted automated speed enforcement cameras was positioned Wednesday on the eastbound LIE near Exit 51 in Dix Hills. While warning signs alerted motorists that a work zone speed camera was ahead, some drivers said they never saw any sign indicating what the speed limit actually was.
Without a posted speed limit in the construction area, some motorists said they were unsure how fast they were legally allowed to travel — and worried they could still receive a ticket in the mail.
Motorcyclist Lenny Levine said the lack of clear signage is unfair to drivers.
“I think that’s not fair because if they’re going to give you a ticket they have to explicitly state what the speed limit is,” Levine said. “You can’t assume one way or the other.”
According to the New York State Department of Transportation, speed limits are reduced in some work zones, but not all. If no reduced speed limit is posted, the regular highway speed limit remains in effect. On that stretch of the LIE, the standard speed limit is 55 mph.
In a statement, DOT spokesperson Stephen Canzoneri wrote, “The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program deployment on the Long Island Expressway in Suffolk County has proper signage warning motorists about the ongoing camera enforcement in the work zone.”
State officials maintain that the work zone speed camera program is designed to improve safety for highway workers. Under the enforcement system, a first violation within 18 months carries a $50 fine, a second offense costs $75, and each additional violation results in a $100 penalty.
Still, some drivers remain skeptical about the program.
“I get what they’re saying — it’s safer for the guys working there — but still it’s a money grab too,” driver Paul Fishbein said. “Put a sign up with what the speed limit is in the construction zone. But I didn’t see it unless I missed it.”
