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I write to express my opposition to LD 1457, “Resolve, to Allow the Maine Turnpike Authority to Conduct a Pilot Program to Implement Automated Speed Control Systems in Highway Work Zones.” Without a doubt, highway work-zone speeding, crashes, and injury to workers are serious issues, and the hardworking Maine people who keep our highways in good condition deserve safe working environments. While LD 1457 is well-intentioned in its aim to reduce highway work zone crashes, my opposition stems from a personal concern about data privacy and the overall cost-benefit ratio of the proposed program.
I believe that, in a time of unprecedented federal violation of citizens’ right to privacy, we have an obligation to defend against any expansion of governmental surveillance and state monitoring. Strengthening this belief is the documented history of federal immigration enforcement tapping into “private” data collected by automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), as proposed in this program, to track the movements of citizens. I must remain morally opposed to integrating any technology that aids in that effort in light of our current political climate.
Additionally, the costs of purchasing, installing, maintaining, and staffing this program must be weighed against unclear benefits. There has been no consistent research that demonstrates the effectiveness of ALPR’s in improving work-zone safety or reducing fatal crashes.
Taxpayer money would be better invested in more effective safety measures — ones that don’t cost the privacy of Maine residents.
Maria Taylor
Old Town