Recent data reveals alarming speeds recorded on Parkside Drive, where drivers have been caught exceeding 120 km/hr in a 40 km zone. The highest recorded speed of 154 km/hr has raised concerns, with safety advocates highlighting the dangers of such reckless driving behavior.
Faraz Gholizadeh, co-chair of Safe Parkside, expressed disbelief at the findings, emphasizing that such speeds could lead to serious consequences. Despite ongoing construction and congestion on Parkside Drive, speeding has been a persistent issue, resulting in tragic accidents in the past.
One such incident in October 2021 claimed two lives due to a high-speed collision at the intersection of Parkside Drive and Spring Road. The installation of a speed camera in April 2022 aimed to address this issue, leading to the issuance of over 69,000 tickets and fines exceeding $7.3 million.
However, the speed camera has faced repeated vandalism, with multiple instances of tampering and destruction, raising concerns about its effectiveness. Mayor Olivia Chow remains committed to reinstating the camera, emphasizing the importance of holding violators accountable and promoting road safety.
Despite support from local officials and safety advocates, Premier Doug Ford has criticized the speed cameras as a “cash grab” and threatened to ban them through legislation, sparking debate on their efficacy in curbing speeding incidents.