Parents and caregivers around Waterloo Region may have already noticed the new speed and road safety signs in school and community safety zones.
They’re huge, they’re bright, and they’re hard to miss.
That’s kind-of the point.
The Doug Ford government outlawed municipal speed enforcement cameras last November, with the premier calling them “a cash grab.” It’s worth noting that it was the same government that first permitted the cameras use in 2019.
Despite evidence that suggests the camera programs were effective at changing driver behaviour, the province opted to scrap them in favour of other traffic calming measures.
Specifically, oversized road signs and flashing warning beacons. Speed bumps and lane bollards have also been discussed.
In a statement to 570 NewsRadio, the Region of Waterloo said it has completed installing the new oversized signs at previous Automated Speed Enforcement sites on regional roads. But note, there is still work to be done.
“Flashing beacons will be installed to accompany the signs, with installations continuing based on available supply from the Ministry of Transportation. Staff are also developing a plan to install signs and flashing beacons in school zones that have not previously had Automated Speed Enforcement camera deployment,” the statement concludes.
To make sure municipalities were able to get the signs installed quickly, the province launched the Road Safety Initiatives Fund. This allowed municipalities to apply for a portion of the $210 million available to help facilitate the installations.
According to data provided by the province, during the first six months of the Region of Waterloo’s speed camera program, 55,000 tickets were issued.
