By KELLY KRANTZ
kelly@du2.byu.edu
You better think twice before putting the pedal to the metal through the construction zones, or you just might end up paying double.
A new law went into effect May 6 that allows double fines for speeders in construction zones.
Before the law passed, Rep. Tammy Rowan, R-Orem, said finding more troopers to enforce the current law should be first priority. Rowan also said there is not enough room to pull speeders over as it is.
Sen. David Buhler's bill requires speeders to pay at least double the regular ticket issued if a judge finds them guilty.
The bill also requires posted signs where construction starts and ends. There must also be a warning to drivers of the increase in fines.
The law will only apply to construction or maintenance zones where workers are present.
Jan Stacey, a sophomore from Temple City majoring in nursing, said, 'I'm not too excited about it because I speed a bit, but I have mixed feelings.'
Stacey said she is used to being cautious through construction zones because driving through Las Vegas she knows the tickets are higher. Stacey said if it will work to double the fee, then she thinks it is a good idea.
The speed limit through the 17-mile Salt Lake Valley I-15 construction was reduced last summer. Speeds went down from 65 mph to 55 mph.
Craig Allred, director of the Utah Highway Safety Office, said enforcing the new speeds limit has been difficult.
Allred said the troopers are reluctant to stop speeders in construction zones. He said the troopers' first priority is to take care of the problems and keep traffic moving.
Capt. George Chino of the Utah Highway Patrol said it was too early to tell whether the new law has made an impact in drivers' speeds.
Chino said the patrol is looking at different ways to enforce the driving speeds, including the air bureau and laser radar as means for enforcement. Chino said photo radar is not an option because it is prohibited in the state of Utah as a means for patrolling the freeways.
Chino anticipates many voluntary complaints to come in from those who get pulled over.
Matt Hall, a UVSC junior from Provo majoring in business, was not in favor of the raised rates.
'I don't think they should raise them (traffic fees) through construction -- the fines are high enough,' Hall said. He did say he would slow down to avoid getting the fine, however.