Title: Automated Speed Enforcement in the U.S.: A Review of the Literature on Benefits and Barriers to Implementation
Publication Information: Transportation Research Board (TRB), 2008
Report Number: UCD-ITS-RR-07-17
Author(s): Caroline J. Rodier, Susan A. Shaheen, Ellen Cavanagh
Document Date: 8/1/07
Number of Pages: 17
Price: $5
Abstract:
Excessive speed is considered to be a major contributing factor to
motor vehicle crashes and is thus an important focus of highway
enforcement efforts. Automated speed enforcement programs have been
widely applied outside of the U.S. to effectively address
speeding-related safety problems. In the U.S., automated speed
enforcement programs are currently operated in only 11 states and in
Washington, D.C., most of which are located on residential streets and
not highways. Moreover, a number of automated speed enforcement
programs have been discontinued since 1990. This literature review
explores the potential benefits and barriers to implementing automated
speed enforcement programs in the U.S. by examining the large body of
literature on automated enforcement programs, including red-light and
speed programs. It begins with background on the implementation of
automated speed enforcement and includes a dicussion of research on the
potential safety and financial effects of these programs. Next, the
legal restrictions to the implementation of automated speed enforcement
in the U.S. are outlined. This is followed by a discussion of
stakeholder support including potential concerns of citizens, special
interest groups, elected officials, and governmental agencies. Then, an
evaluation of key program design choices is provided, encompassing
issues related to owner or driver liability, manned or unmanned
systems, mobile or fixed systems, visibility, location, enforcement
thresholds, program management, and revenue distribution. The study
concludes with a discussion of major findings.
Keywords:
Automated speed enforcement, legal and institutional barriers, intelligent transportation systems