Some politicians get re-elected because they know how to read public opinion, like Ontario Premier Doug Ford who’s had consecutive majority governments. In the wake of continued vandalism of the hated automated speed cameras, the premier is strongly urging cities “Get rid of the speed cameras or I’m going to do it for them.”.
Over the weekend, two more speed cameras in Toronto were chopped down, including the infamous Parkside Dr speed camera which has now been cut down 7 times in less than a year. Closer to Demaras Racing’s worldwide headquarters, a speed camera on O’Connor Dr was left dead on the ground Tuesday morning.
Foolish local councilor Brad Bradford whined on social media “The perpetual struggle to keep these cameras up is becoming a joke”. No, bad Brad… you’re the joke. Learn to read the room or risk the unemployment line.
Most people in Toronto follow traffic laws in the interest of public safety. But even quiet Canadians can be pushed too far, when politicians manipulate a tragedy for their own greed. Case in point, the Parkside Dr camera was installed after a speeding car triggered a five-car crash that killed an elderly couple strolling on the sidewalk. The city investigated options to slow cars down in the area, including chicanes, speed bumps and other ‘traffic calming’ measures. Yet it ignored its own finding and implemented nothing; except the speed camera. It has since brought in millions in revenue for the city, but not stopped speeding cars on Parkside.
Populist premier Ford made a common sense statement in a recent press conference, asking “Why don’t we put a police officer with a radar gun there every once in a while?”. It seems Ford is planning considering repealing the 2017 provincial law, enacted under the previous government of Kathleen Wynne, which permitted cities to operate speed cameras.
“I’ve driven by speed traps not even close to school areas. Some people driving through a neighbourhood and they are five, ten kilometres over, they are getting nailed. It’s not fair. So, I’m dead against this photo radar that they have.”
– Ontario Premier, Doug Ford
The cities have abused the law and installed cameras virtually everywhere. It has nothing to do with public safety.
My bet on who’s doing this? The city contractor who has the contract to put them back up again.
Definitely a guy in a white van with a reflective vest. Nobody suspects him.
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Its probably the mayor!