Mayor Pushes for Traffic Safety Cameras in Metro Vancouver
Mayor Patrick Johnstone of Metro Vancouver is advocating for the installation of traffic speed cameras in the city, despite the recent ban on such cameras in Ontario. He believes that these cameras play a crucial role in enhancing road safety, a sentiment echoed by many residents who support their implementation.
According to Johnstone, the presence of traffic cameras can significantly reduce the number of accidents, thereby relieving the burden on emergency services. A substantial portion of emergency calls received by both the fire and police departments are related to road incidents, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent accidents.
Addressing criticism that traffic cameras are primarily revenue-generating tools, Johnstone dismissed such claims as baseless, emphasizing that the funds collected are channeled into general revenue for the province. While the city is eager to install the cameras, it requires approval from the provincial government to do so.
Despite the current limitations, Johnstone has been actively engaging with the provincial government and ICBC to gain more authority in this regard. In the meantime, New Westminster is taking proactive steps by establishing a Vision-Zero task force to analyze data and develop strategies to enhance road safety within the city.
Johnstone remains optimistic that ongoing discussions with the province will yield positive outcomes, emphasizing that automated enforcement aligns with the community’s desires and demands for safer roads.