Journalist Garrett Barry with Versatile Skills at CTV National News
Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial government has announced plans to implement speed cameras on provincial highways following a successful three-month pilot program last summer. The initiative, which utilized just two cameras in two communities, identified over 94,000 vehicles exceeding the legal speed limit, as reported by Sarah Stoodley, the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL.
The pilot program's findings revealed alarming instances of vehicles travelling more than 11 km/h above the posted speed limit, with a quarter exceeding the limit by 20 km/h or more. Minister Stoodley highlighted that these violations occurred on residential streets, some with speed limits of 40 or 50 km/h, including school zones, emphasizing the severity of the speeding issue.
During the pilot phase, offending drivers received warning letters rather than fines. However, Minister Stoodley expressed the urgency of establishing a fine system for speeders, citing it as a top priority. Residents' concerns about speeding in their neighbourhoods have prompted the government's commitment to addressing the issue.
Notably, driving instructor Paul Prowse, with decades of experience in St. John's, wasn't surprised by the high number of speeders. He attributed the problem to people's hectic lifestyles, stating that the rush to fulfill daily responsibilities contributes to the prevalence of speeding. Prowse believed that fines, rather than warnings, would be more effective in curbing the issue.
The overwhelming number of speed violations during the pilot program posed challenges for government staff in issuing notices. Minister Stoodley acknowledged the need for a fine system that avoids overburdening the justice system with thousands of appeals for traffic violations.
In addressing this concern, Minister Stoodley is developing an approach to levy fines for excessive speeding that is efficient and doesn't strain judicial resources. She emphasized the importance of other provinces exploring similar solutions.
While the revenue generated from the speed camera program will contribute to the provincial government's general funds, Minister Stoodley expressed the hope that the program doesn't generate substantial revenue. The primary objective is to encourage motorists to slow down voluntarily, aligning with the government's overarching goal of curbing speeding.
In summary, Newfoundland and Labrador's government is set to introduce speed cameras on highways following a successful pilot program revealing a significant number of speed violations. The initiative aims to address speeding issues in residential areas, with a focus on implementing an effective fine system to deter excessive speeding. Minister Stoodley emphasizes the importance of reducing speeding and hopes that generated revenue is minimal.
