Saskatchewan increases fines for speeding in construction zones

Base fine will start at $210, triple the base fine for speeding

Saskatchewan has increased the fines for drivers caught speeding in the province's construction zones. As of Nov. 1, Saskatchewan's fines for speeding in the “orange zone” are now among the highest in the country.

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is working with contractors, ministry crews, and motorists to review the “three Es” of traffic safety: education; engineering (site enhancements such signs, lighting, rumble strips and barricades); and enforcement.

Starting this fall, rumble strips will be used in prioritized work zones. Gates that narrow the approach to construction zones will also be installed. Both devices are intended to slow traffic to 60 km/h in construction zones. The ministry will review the effectiveness of these devices and develop guidelines for their use at other locations starting in the 2013 construction season.

Fines in the orange zone will be as follows:

  • A base fine of $210, which is triple the base fine for speeding;
  • A per kilometre increase from $2 to $3 for every km/h over 60 km/h, for speeds up to up to 90 km/h;
  • A further increase from $4 to $6 for every km/h over 60 km/h, for speeds in excess of 90 km/h.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure will work together to ensure that proper signage is in place to notify motorists that the fine for speeding in a construction zone is three times the base fine for speeding, and that photo radar will be in effect for the next construction season.

The RCMP has written more than 415 tickets for speeding in a construction zone during the past two months, according to the RCMP.

In September, the government committed to work with the RCMP to address the issue of motorists speeding in construction zones following the death of 18 year-old flag person Ashley Dawn Richards by a vehicle speeding in an orange zone.

"Our government is proud to announce new measures designed to move forward on safety improvements in the orange zone for both construction workers and motorists," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. "We will be undertaking a strategic review designed to prevent tragedies from occurring on our roads."

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