Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Council is taking aim at a controversial move by the province to get rid of traffic speed cameras.
Council supported a resolution by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to oppose the elimination of automatic speed enforcement cameras, which is set to take effect on November 14th.
Although there are no speed cameras located in Middlesex Centre, several councillors voiced their concerns about the removal of the cameras in general.
“Everything I’ve read is there’s significant public support for these cameras,” said Ward 5 Councillor Frank Berze when the issue arose at the November 5th council meeting. Berze indicated that the provincial changes are imminent, however he added, “things may change in the future.”
Ward 4 Councillor, Sue Cates, expressed disappointment with the elimination of the cameras. “I think it was a missed opportunity to promote better driving habits with people.” Cates added that poor driving habits are widespread. “It’s rampant everywhere… the speeding and the passing school bus lights… it’s rampant,” said Cates. Although Cates acknowledged there have been complaints from people getting ticketed for being a few kilometers over the speed limit, she said something could have been done to amend the tolerance of speed cameras. “I think that the message is still needed. Slow down and drive smart. It’s our own neighbours and children that we’re protecting,” said Cates.
Mayor Aina DeViet raised the point that getting caught by the cameras doesn’t impact someone’s livelihood. “The other part of it. This is simply a ticket and not a demerit. It doesn’t affect your insurance,” said DeViet.
The province-wide ban requires municipalities with speed cameras in school zones to instead install signage to slow drivers down.
