Slow down or pay up: New MTA work zone fines start Tuesday

The MTA will begin issuing fines to drivers caught speeding in active work zones on its bridges and tunnels starting Tuesday, Sept. 22.
The program uses speed cameras in operational construction zones. The MTA said cameras have been in place since June, when the program began with warnings.
The MTA said 15,780 warning notices have been issued since June 30, and speed cameras have been deployed in 200 work zones. More than 33,000 vehicles were captured exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph.
Starting Tuesday, motorists recorded driving more than 10 mph above the posted speed limit in these work zones will be subject to a fine.
Violations start at $50 for the first offense and $75 for the second offense if it occurs within 18 months of the first violation. Drivers with three or more violations will be fined $100 for each subsequent offense if within 18 months of the first violation. The MTA said the fines are subject to additional late fees.
On average, vehicles were traveling 14.5 mph over the posted speed limits in those work zones, according to the MTA. The agency said that in some cases, drivers were recorded going as fast as 111 mph in a 45 mph work zone and 109 mph in a 35 mph work zone.