May 7, 2008

REP. HENRY GENGA HAILS TRANSPORTATION MEASURE
THAT WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY

State Rep. Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) hailed house and senate passage of a transportation measure that includes tougher penalties for traffic violations in construction zones or "traffic incident management zones."

The bill establishes an increased penalty for certain traffic violations that occur in traffic incident management zones, clearly designated and marked as state highway construction or utility work zones.

"One of my constituents brought the work zone safety issue to my attention and asked for support. I am personally pleased to see house passage of this bill because safety in work zones is definitely a very important issue for all of us," Rep. Genga said.

The new law would require the court to impose an additional fee equal to 100% of the fine it imposes for certain designated traffic violations when they occur in a clearly designated and marked state highway construction zone or utility work zone or management zone.

A management zone is in an area of the highway where temporary traffic controls or measures are installed under the authority of the transportation or public safety commissioner, or a local traffic authority, in response to a motor vehicle incident, natural disaster, hazardous material spill, or other unplanned incident. The zone must be delineated by signs, cones, flares, or flashing or revolving lights.

The measure now awaits the Governor's signature.

Rep. Henry Genga is serving his second term in the General Assembly representing East Hartford's 10th Assembly District. He is Vice Chair of the Education Committee and member of the Appropriations and Energy and Technology Committee.