Traffic calming measures in school zones.

Why is this so difficult for Council to deal with as a number one priority. I pointed out the other day some road safety concerns and as a show of importance I expressed concerns about people possibly getting injured.

Our youngest, most vulnerable are present on and alongside the roadways in school zones more than any other area. So, in my opinion EVERYTHING that can be done should be done to prevent accidents or injuries in those areas.

To those on the Mayors Online Support groups who simply attack anyone who questions any of the Mayors decisions, I say… attack away. I would rather have a bunch of online antagonists call me a Karen than know I could have helped prevent a child’s injury and did nothing.

OK, yes we have school zones now. These signed “community safety zones” are signed and any infraction witnessed by the OPP can Carry some pretty hefty fines. I say… not good enough!

This Council has invested thousands of dollars to watch the daily activities of citizens as they travel through town. There are many, many more surveillance cameras overhead since this Council took office.

So, with their comfort in being big brother, why not invest in speed cameras set up in each of the school zones. Getting their fines in the mail will slow down some of the people who regularly speed through these school zones.

What? Council doesn’t want to spend the money? This is a revenue producing program that will undoubtedly pay for itself in a reasonable period after implementation.

What? Council doesn’t want to be seen as the bad guy when tickets are received? Too bad… suck it up. You took the job. With it comes the old adage, you simply cannot please all of the people all of the time.

But I don’t think punitive enforcement measures are enough. Yes, these measures will be a major deterrent that our Council is presently afraid to use, but prevention is even more important.

The driver who knowingly flies through these areas is guilty and deserves punishment, but we also should deal with those drivers who accidentally forget to slow down. I say… REMIND THEM! Do so in the most visible, most pro-active ways possible. Why don’t we have flashing lights, lane narrowing illusions and the most visible line markings possible?

I can only think of two reasons. One is that our Council has other more pressing priorities like becoming concert promoters and paying four people $427,000.00 to staff that new division. Those funds would be much better dedicated to the safety of our children.

The other reason would be fear of backlash from those who don’t want to slow down and might just be supporters of our present Council!

If every member of this Council does NOT make this a priority above all others on their “re-elect me” list of accomplishment, then send them all packing! If they do finally respond to community pressure, then you have to decide if it was enough that they had to be shamed into it!