Sutcliffe, other mayors, urge province to keep speed cameras in school zones

More than twenty mayors have signed a letter urging Premier Doug Ford to allow photo radars in school zones. CTV News Ottawa’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

It’s a mayoral revolt against the province’s plan to ban speed cameras, with 20 mayors from across Ontario signing a letter urging the province to keep photo radars in school zones, something Ottawa’s mayor says he is also in favour of.

“A total ban on automated speed cameras would reverse years of progress on safety in school zones. It would place more pressure on police, increase enforcement costs, and most critically, endanger lives,” states the letter addressed to Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.

While Mayor Mark Sutcliffe did not sign the letter, he says speed cameras in school zones are effective and wants to see them remain in place.

“At our next council meeting we’ll be advancing a motion, calling on the provincial government to consider allowing the speed cameras to continue in school zones and to continue within the parameters that we’ve been doing it here in Ottawa, which has been effective and in which all the money has returned to public safety in the community,” said Sutcliffe.

Yesterday, Coun. Tim Tierney of Beacon Hill-Cyrville Ward told Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron that he was working with the mayor on to keep photo radars in the city’s school zones.

Of Ottawa’s 60 speed cameras, 50 are in school zones, six are near parks and playground, and the remaining four are in high-speed zones.

If the provincial legislation is passed, cities would be forced to turn off the cameras and install flashing warning signs in school zones.

Ford would also like to see municipalities install alternative speed reducing measures including speed bumps, speed cushions, raised crosswalks, curb extensions and roundabouts.

While Premier Doug Ford has come out against the photo radars, calling them a “cash grab,” not all residents agree.

“It’s really good that the speed camera is there because of the young people around here,” said Ottawa resident Benjamin Kalubi.

“People driving, sometimes like crazy, and speed limits are really helpful for young guys around here.”

The camera is installed near three schools but could be one of 60 cameras turned off across the city if the province’s proposed legislation is passed.

“I think they should stay,” said Eva Fried, an Ottawa resident.

“To keep the children safe and so that people don’t speed in those areas.”

“If they’re already in place, why would they take them out, especially if people that are speeding get punished for doing it? Like that’s a good idea. Leave them there,” said Diane Garth, who is from Vancouver.

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