SPRINGFIELD - Just because you don't see a state trooper as you speed through an interstate work zone doesn't mean you won't get a ticket.

For the fifth summer, the Illinois Department of Transportation is using vans equipped with cameras to catch drivers speeding through work zones. A ticket comes with a $375 fine.

The state uses five vans throughout the state in an effort to cut down on injuries and deaths to road workers.

"They are usually on interstates since that is where the majority of our work zone fatalities occur," said Paris Ervin, DOT spokeswoman.

She said the vans move around every two weeks or so, but right now, two are in the Chicago area, one is in the Quad-Cities, one is in the St. Louis area and the last is near Champaign-Urbana.

The vans are manned by troopers and have issued 8,000 tickets since the state started using them. If they're being used in a particular work zone, signs about photo enforcement will be posted.

Despite the state's use of the camera vans, lawmakers have balked at letting more Illinois counties such as Macon and McLean use cameras to catch red-light scofflaws. And a plan to install speeding cameras among some Illinois roads failed this year.

Lawmakers criticized red light cameras as a method for local governments to make money off drivers instead of improving safety. But the work zone speeding cameras remain in use.

The state wanted to get the word out about the vans because recent e-mail messages have spread causing drivers to call DOT and the Illinois State Police with questions.

For more information about how the cameras are used, visit www.dot.il.gov/workzone/workzone5.html.

mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865