Automated speed enforcement coming to school zone near you

A pilot project launching in 2020 that will see a mobile photo radar camera installed and rotated in community safety zones across York Region

Newmarkettoday.ca
October 24, 2019
Debora Kelly

In a bid to get drivers to slow down in community safety zones near schools, York Region is launching a two-year automated speed enforcement pilot project in 2020.

The mobile photo radar camera will be installed and rotated in community safety zones across the region's nine cities and towns during the pilot, which was approved by York Region council Oct. 17.

The automated speed enforcement pilot, which will cost $500,000, will initially target school zones with the highest travel speeds, according to a report to council.

The penalties for traffic infractions are increased in community safety zones, which the region designates for roads adjacent to school areas.

Because York Region’s provincial courts are currently operating at full capacity in scheduling disputed charges, the pilot aims to assess the impact of additional charges and the rate of dispute on the courts.

The report is encouraging the region's municipalities to advocate the transportation ministry to allow automated speed enforcement to be handled through an administrative penalty system.

"Local municipalities will significantly benefit if the legislative changes are made as community safety zones and school zones are predominantly found on local roads. Local municipalities would benefit from the use of ASE by lowering operating speeds and allowing for the collection of revenue to offset operating costs," the report states.

Staff will also review the pilot's data to determine if changes occur in driver behaviour and assess the technology itself