Region planning to get more cameras, noting reduction in speeding
It appears many drivers around the Niagara region are getting the message when it comes to speed cameras.
Regional council is looking at statistics showing a 13% average reduction in speed, and a 67% reduction in violations.
However, Councillor Pat Chiocchio doesn't like the $1.8-million cost, and has looked at other ideas. "I've been looking at speed humps, or cushions, that are a lot more effective, in the UK... Now, I use the United Kingdom as an example, because that's the only place I can find a comparison."
Councillor Peter Secord, more on side with Pat Chiocchio, believes flashing lights are more effective than a ticket in the mail.
Councillor Gary Zalepa, on the other hand, argued flashing lights don't work, and getting hit in the pocketbook is the only way to get drivers to slow down.
Councillor Tom Insinna referred back to a report on CHCH news recently, after one of the cameras was torn down in Lincoln. "They interviewed a woman across the street from a school, and she said 'I can't believe how much people have slowed down, when they put that camera in there and how much safer it was.' That's really the intent."
Councillor Bill Steele said if you pass the test to get your licence, you should know the speed limit.
Data also showed the speed drivers travel at didn't go back up once the camera was removed from a certain area. Four new cameras will be added in 2025, and 2026, to the existing four. There will also be 12 more Community Safety Zones, adding to the current 13, beginning next year.
Council was also reminded that if fines collected exceed program costs, that money will be invested exclusively into safety measures.
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