Dear Editor:
The automated speed enforcement cameras have been around long enough to show their drawbacks and limitations.
Many drivers do not always notice the speed limit signs. They drive going with the flow, following the vehicle in front of them. It is simplistic to say “pay attention to your driving.” There are just too many distractions inside and outside of your vehicle.
The cameras have been shown to cause other problems: drivers are using side streets to bypass the cameras so they don’t inadvertently get a speeding ticket. Homeowners then complain about all the traffic on their once-quiet street!
Worse, cameras are being vandalized because of the perceived unfairness of the system. Drivers who have driven for decades without a ticket suddenly get one.
With the cameras, the infraction occurs and then, three weeks later, the driver is notified. If safety is the top priority, would it not be better to prevent the infraction in the first place?
A week ago, while driving through Cambridge, I saw my proposed solution in action: there was a double flashing amber light with a sign, “Speed Limit 30 when lights flashing.” There was no missing this sign. And it’s timed: no need to be on at 4:30 in the morning.
Enhanced visibility is why flashing lights are put on construction and road-maintenance equipment, on bicycles (they want to be seen) and on police cars (think how fast you notice the red and blue flashing light in your rearview mirror). Dangerous intersections, low bridges, sharp turns: any hazardous road condition has a flashing light to grab your attention.
Narrowing of streets, speed bumps, bigger signs and other “costly” traffic-calming measures would all be unnecessary with the use of a flashing warning light.
The way I see it, the municipality/township/county/province has two options:
– hire an outside company to install a less-safe, problem-causing system which generates a lucrative profit; or
– opt for a safer system with only one drawback that I know of: the taxpayer foots the bill for the installation of the flashing warning lights.
For those in government who are still trying to convince us “it’s not for the money,” add a flashing light like the one I mentioned in Cambridge ahead of the camera. Then watch the revenue drop like a stone!
Erwin Ellen,
Ariss