Brampton and Mississauga welcome proposed photo radar legislation
Program shelved in 1995
Mayors in Brampton and Mississauga welcomed proposed Ontario government legislation that could bring photo radar to local roadways.
Photo radar
File photo by Carlos Osorio/Torstar Network
Mayors in Brampton and Mississauga welcomed proposed Ontario government legislation that could bring photo radar to school and community safety zones.
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Premier Kathleen Wynne revealed her government’s plan to introduce legislation that would allow Ontario municipalities to use the cameras in school and community safety zones.
Measures under the legislation include the use of automated speed enforcement (ASE) technology, which could take photographs of a speeder’s licence plates.
Municipalities could also lower speed limits and expand the use of Red Light Cameras.
“I welcome news that the Wynne government will empower municipalities to install safety cameras near schools to reduce dangerous speeding and protect families,” Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said in a news release.
Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey was also thankful for additional tools to keep roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages.
“Far too many cyclist and pedestrian injuries have been attributed to car speed and driver distraction and as such city council will consult with our local school boards, cycling committees and seniors groups for their opinions and advice,” said Jeffrey in an email to media.
The former New Democrat government introduced photo radar as a pilot project in 1994, but the program was criticized as cash grab and shelved when the Conservatives took office in 1995.
Crombie, who promised to hold council discussions with the community, insisted safety and not tax revenues must be the main objective.
Revenues must be invested in community safety, Crombie said.
She also pointed out the technology could “free up” police officers to handle other work, instead of manning radar guns.
“Our intent is to give municipalities more tools to help keep people safe on our roads,” said Wynne.
Courtesy: Roger Belgrave
