Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

I2−1: Active Law Enforcement Services to Control Speed in Work Zones

DESCRIPTION:

The predominate use of on−duty Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers for active patrolling of projects for speed control/traffic enforcement began in 1995. Prior to that, the use of off−duty officers was the normal practice. The FDOT reimburses the FHP out of project funds per the FDOT/FHP agreement. The use of off−duty officers hired by the contractor is limited to: 1) Project Phase Traffic Shifts to Facilitate Traffic Flow—a bid item; and 2) Contractor's Option for Equipment Movement, etc.—no direct pay.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

The use of off−duty officers was not achieving the desired results of lowering speeds on major freeway projects. Off−duty officers on contractor's payroll had to obtain "on−duty" status to issue citations, thus rarely wrote citations for speeding.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The on−duty FHP officers are providing active patrolling with an emphasis on speed enforcement. Officers, when paid directly by the State, give more control of the officer's assignments to the project's personnel and are coordinated in advance with the FHP.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Urban or rural freeways and limited access roadways. All types of work.

STATE(S) WHERE UTILIZED:

Florida

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Norbert Munoz, Safety Engineer, FHWA Florida Division Office
Telephone: (850) 942−9650, ext. 3024
E−mail: Norbert.Munoz@fhwa.dot.gov

Gregg Xander, State Construction Engineer, Florida DOT
Telephone: (850) 414−4150
E−mail: Gregg.Xander@dot.state.fl.us