The City of Charlottetown would require an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act to allow us to double fines for school zone speeders. At a meeting of council on Monday night, it was decided to send a renewed request to the new provincial government for enabling legislation for the use of photo radar (the City has made no decision on the use of photo radar, but we would like the ability to use it if we wish to).
An argument was made that we should not ask for both photo radar legislation, and an increase in fines in school zones, as we were unlikely to be granted both, an argument I did not understand. My position was that the province should be willing to give munipalities every tool we require to deal with a problem that many see as a growing safety concern. In the end, it was decided to send an official request for both; photo radar legislation, and an amendment to allow for the doubling of fines in school zones (and construction zones). This request will be sent by City administration, but I have taken the time to write personally to my MLA (Premier Ghiz) about the issue. If you feel that one or both of these requests are important, please contact your MLA as well.
Rob, I believe a more serious issue is the children in high school who simply walk out into the street regardless of crosswalks, or oncoming traffic. In many cases the children simply look at the oncoming cars and walk out anyway. I have never heard of any kids being stopped by police, much less fined. If anyone doesn’t believe this to be the case, just part near Col. Gray Senior High next September and watch what happens at noon time. These are the students who will jaywalk across four / five lanes of fast heavy traffic in the future to get to UPEI.
It is difficult for a car, regardless of speed, to hit a child unless that child is on the street. What measures are going to be taken to prevent students from jaywalking in traffic?
Shawn, I know what you’re talking about. I’ve witnessed young people doing this many times; however, my immediate concern is not for those who willingly put themselves at risk. For the time being I’m concentrating on drivers who are putting others at risk. Just last week a thirteen year-old girl in our ward was struck by a car and seriously injured while using a crosswalk (albeit a crosswalk that had not yet been repainted this year — it has since been painted). Also, some students from Colonel Gray are among the most reckless drivers in my ward. When we’re picking up our son at Spring Park School of Early Learning at 3:30, students are flying around the surrounding streets like Mario Andretti on crack. With that said, I will mention your concerns to the police chief and ask the Police Committee to look into the problem.