Dear Editor:
I have read opinions on our speed cameras with some interest. It seems to me that a larger issue is being missed: that is, the reason they were introduced in the first place.
Clearly they were intended to enforce speed limits in designated areas. Many of the arguments I’ve read are around the speed limits themselves, the fines or signage, the ability of drivers to make their own decisions about how fast they may drive and when. I don’t believe these are the point, but they do add to the overall conversation.
We have speed limits because drivers, as a group, cannot be counted on to behave responsibly. Certainly, there are good and safe drivers out there, but we only have to turn a few pages, in this very paper, to find many examples of accidents, ridiculous speeding, driving with improper documentation, impaired operation, dangerous, unsafe and careless driving and more.
These speak to our enforcement of the laws we all agreed to abide by. Speed cameras are only one way of enforcing our agreed-upon speed limits.
If we don’t agree with these rules, we can work to change them. Speed cameras aren’t positive or negative, they merely record our behaviours. Simply put, if you got a ticket from a speed camera, you were breaking our agreed-on rules.
You don’t think we have a problem with speed in Wellington County? I challenge you to drive for a week, meticulously obeying the speed limits, to the kilometre per hour.
You’ll be tailgated, passed, both safely and unsafely, honked at, and maybe even receive a few hand gestures! And you will arrive at your destination within a minute or two of your usual time.
By the way, if you’re not experiencing this already, then you may well be part of the reason we need speed cameras.
Avon Giddings,
Centre Wellington