Automated Speed Cameras

Have you been following the Automated Speed Camera (ASC) debate at Toronto City Hall?

I have. It is an issue that recently came up at City Hall and likely an issue that will come up in the future. 

The City of Toronto has installed 150 ASC's in Community Safety Zones (CSZ) throughout the city.  Some of these camera's are fixed and the majority rotate around every 3-6 months.

Studies have shown that they are effective (see Sick Kids Report) in reducing speeding and aggressive driving.

The debate around them in Toronto has been about the perception they are being used as a revenue tool, rather than a safety initiative. In some places in Toronto, they repeatedly get cut down.

Here's what I think; Community Safety Zones are important safety measures around schools, parks, retirement homes, or where they meet the criteria. Leading up to a zone, adequate signage must be displayed. A recent vote at council approved larger signs.  Once a zone is approved and a camera get's installed, why should it rotate? Once an area is designated a CSZ it should remain one unless something fundamentally changes in the zone. (example: school becomes a condo). 

Once a CSZ is identified the neighbourhood will be informed. "Community Safety Zone Speed Fine Increased" signs are installed,  "Camera coming soon" signs go up. "Camera is installed" sign goes up...at that point all local drivers should be aware to slow down in that area, reducing the amount of tickets local drivers get. Now down the line, someone will say "this camera is getting few tickets so it must be moved, which is wrong. That's a sign the cameras are a revenue tool. 

So if the issue came up at City Hall, or I could get a motion on the floor: I would vote to keep the cameras installed, not on rotation, out of reach of vandals. (Stouffville does this well) 

So, I don't mind the camera's as a safety tool, not as a revenue tool. There are other ways to improve road safety for pedestrians, and cyclists, that could be studied in a particular area as well, that may not meet the CSZ designation. 

Also, I think it is worth mentioning, there is no way to vote for the discontinuation of the camera's throughout Toronto at City Hall.

A motion like that would never be approved. 

My approach, will let the community know they are there well in advance, make sure there is adequate signage and once an area is designated CSZ and a camera is installed, it should stay installed so the local community can know to slow down and not get a ticket.  

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.