North Bay Police Chief Shawn Devine says photo radar would be another tool in the toolbox to help curb speeding, particularly in school zones.
Devine was responding to Premier Kathleen Wynne’s statement in Ottawa on Tuesday where she announced new legislation which will allow municipalities to install photo radar cameras near schools to help deter speeding.
“I read it in the media, that’s the first time I heard about where they are going with the new thoughts on photo radar,” stated Police Chief Shawn Devine after the monthly Police Board meeting this morning at police headquarters.
“I think if you are looking at what the intent of the legislation or change to photo radar would be, is to create safer communities and safer highways because the fact is that speed does have a role in a lot of fatal accidents.”
Premier and North Bay native Mike Harris put the brakes on photo radar in 1995 - less than a year after it was implemented on Ontario Highways by NDP Premier Bob Rae the year before.
Wynne stated the new legislation would not relate to use on Ontario highways at this time.
“The other argument is that it’s being billed as a cash grab and something they are paying a disguised tax on fines but I truly believe if it’s done properly and used properly, it's to reduce speed and educate people that speed does have an effect and raises the possibility of collision. So there’s always a balance of implementing stuff for the right reason,” said Devine.
No timeline has been set as to when areas like North Bay will be able to start looking at how to implement the new cameras.
However, Devine believes its cost effective.
“For me to have a police officer sit in an area for eight hours and concentrate specifically on traffic where I can put a camera in an area and achieve the end result which is to lower the speed in the area, then I think it is an economical way of looking at it,” he said.
