Photo Radar in School Zones

[fluffy]

The idea of using photo radar for speed enforcement in local school zones has been under discussion in council chambers recently and the topic has also been burning up space on the letters-to-the-editor page of the Herald as well. What am I missing? Why do so many think this is a bad idea? It's an efficient and low-cost method to control speeding in an area were speed control is most needed. I don't understand how so many can be against it.

[Bsuds]

Probably the ones who speed complain the most.

I'm all for it! Triple the fines as well.

[GoStumpy]

Absolutely all for it.

[twobits]

Personally I would rather see those radar speed reader boards installed in every school zone. They are very effective reminders when you near the school zone on auto pilot and you quickly check your speed. A ticket in the mail from a mechanical and stealthy cop two weeks after the fact did not save that child from possibly being injured. To me it is like scolding a child after an incident rather than a gentle reminder beforehand that the action may have consequences.

[fluffy]

I disagree twobits. I think the targets here are deliberate and habitual speeders, not someone momentarily distracted and missing the school zone sign. I think a speeding ticket runs around $160.00 these days, double for a school zone means the bill in your mail box will be $320.00. I think that would drive the lesson home real quick, so much so that a few may even think ahead before speeding in a school zone. I side with others in thinking that the most vocal detractors are probably the most likely offendors. What other reason could there be for opposing such a measure?

[johnhenry]

Have the photo radar take the picture right after the reader board. If the board doesn't slow them down, they'll get what's coming to them.

[Bsuds]

And on the second one put a sign that says "We warned you!"

[twobits]

OK, I can compromise. If speed boards are installed in conjunction with photo radar, I could go for it. If ya speed past that sign then ya deserve a 360 dollar ticket.
Same thing for constuction zones. They have started using those speed boards a lot, particularily when work is being done on hyways and I think they are very effective. I travel south quite a bit and there is work being done near Gallager Lake right now and those boards are in use. You can see every one in front of you hitting their brakes when that sign does the rapid flash and they have already been warned of construction speed zone 1/2 km earlier. The radar speed signs are very effective and isn't the real objective saftey after all rather than punishment.

[Tero]

Personally I would rather see those radar speed reader boards installed in every school zone. They are very effective reminders when you near the school zone on auto pilot and you quickly check your speed. A ticket in the mail from a mechanical and stealthy cop two weeks after the fact did not save that child from possibly being injured. To me it is like scolding a child after an incident rather than a gentle reminder beforehand that the action may have consequences.

You should be checking yourself PERIOD if you're on "auto pilot" anywhere when you're driving a potential killing machine in a school zone (or anywhere else.)

[GordonH]

to use of Photo Radar in school zone & road construction sites, plus largest fines possible + points.

Speeders may only learn to slow down if it effects their bank accounts enough.

Strike 1 = $350 fine + 3 points
Strike 2 = $500 fine + 3 points (if happens within 2 years of strike 1)
Strike 3 = $1000 fine + 3 points & immediate 6 months suspension of licence (if happens within 3 years of strike 1)
Strike 4 = 1 year suspension (if happens within 4 years of strike 1)
or something along these lines
Maybe sound tough...... IMO safety of the kids & highway workers are more than worth it.

[gardengirl]

Of course you know who the worst offenders are: Parents dropping their kids off.

[bipdl]

OK, I can compromise. If speed boards are installed in conjunction with photo radar, I could go for it. If ya speed past that sign then ya deserve a 360 dollar ticket. Same thing for constuction zones. The radar speed signs are very effective and isn't the real objective safety after all... rather than punishment?

Well! This marks the end of the world as we know it!!

Twobits... I ACTUALLY WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE WITH YOU ON EVERY POINT YOU'VE MADE HERE.

Gads, I need a drink!

[twobits]

:smt023 to use of Photo Radar in school zone & road construction sites, plus largest fines possible + points.

Speeders may only learn to slow down if it effects their bank accounts enough.

Strike 1 = $350 fine + 3 points
Strike 2 = $500 fine + 3 points (if happens within 2 years of strike 1)
Strike 3 = $1000 fine + 3 points & immediate 6 months suspension of licence (if happens within 3 years of strike 1)
Strike 4 = 1 year suspension (if happens within 4 years of strike 1)
or something along these lines
Maybe sound tough...... IMO safety of the kids & highway workers are more than worth it.

Almost surprised you are not advocating jail time.

[GordonH]

to use of Photo Radar in school zone & road construction sites, plus largest fines possible + points.

Speeders may only learn to slow down if it effects their bank accounts enough.

Strike 1 = $350 fine + 3 points
Strike 2 = $500 fine + 3 points (if happens within 2 years of strike 1)
Strike 3 = $1000 fine + 3 points & immediate 6 months suspension of licence (if happens within 3 years of strike 1)
Strike 4 = 1 year suspension (if happens within 4 years of strike 1)
or something along these lines
Maybe sound tough...... IMO safety of the kids & highway workers are more than worth it.

Almost surprised you are not advocating jail time.

Nope, just nailing their bank account. Thats only way they will slow the hell down, unless you have a better solution.... twobits.

[fluffy]

I agree. The minimum fine in a school zone would be $320.00, enough to make most think ahead a bit. If you're silly enough to get nailed doing more than 50 kph the bill goes to $640.00. That would sure be on my mind.