Release Date: August 15, 2024
The Wisconsin State Patrol will be monitoring the Madison Beltline (US 12/18) in Dane County from the sky on Friday, August 16, as part of its aerial enforcement initiative.
“Our goal is to deter speeding on the Beltline to make sure it remains safe for all drivers,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Timothy Carnahan said. “We’ve had more troopers patrolling the Beltline over the past few months. Using the Air Support Unit just gives us an extra set of eyes as we look out for dangerous driving.”
The State Patrol’s primary mission is public safety, which includes enforcing traffic laws to help make sure drivers reach their destinations safely. Aerial enforcement is one way to enhance efforts to stop speeding and reckless driving. When a pilot observes a violation from the air, they communicate with ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop.
Many aerial enforcement initiatives are announced publicly to reinforce State Patrol’s goal to improve public safety through voluntary compliance with traffic laws, not simply to stop or cite drivers. All aerial enforcement missions are weather dependent.
As a reminder, the speed limit is 55 mph on the Beltline. Do not stop in the Flex Lane, even if the lane is closed. Drivers should pull over to the right side if stopped by law enforcement. If there is no safe place to immediately pull over, move your vehicle to the right lane, turn on the emergency flashers and reduce your speed to signal to law enforcement that you are aware of their presence until you reach the nearest safe area to stop your vehicle.
For more information, contact:
WisDOT Office of Public Affairs
(608) 266-3581,
opa.exec@dot.wi.gov