York Region test drives automated speed enforcement at Newmarket High

2-year pilot on 12 regional roads near schools expected to roll out in May

Newmarkettoday.ca
February 3, 2020
Kim Champion

Mulock Drive near Newmarket High School is one of 12 regional roads in York Region that will soon share an automated speed enforcement unit to slow drivers down.

The Regional Municipality of York has approved a two-year pilot project that will see a mobile speed enforcement device rotated monthly between 12 community safety zones that will cover 19 school areas.

"This is another tool we can use to increase safety, protecting some of the most vulnerable people on our roads -- our students walking to and from school,” York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson said in a statement. “Speed limits are set for a reason, and when people exceed speed limits, especially in community safety zones, they put everyone at risk.”

The automated speed enforcement unit includes a camera and a speed measurement device to enforce posted speed limits. The new safety measure could be in operation as soon as May 2020.

If a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit in an automated speed enforcement area, the device captures an image which is reviewed by a provincial offences officer. An image of the offence, license plate and ticket with an associated fine will be mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner within 30 days.

Automated speed enforcement signs will be installed on regional roads 90 days in advance of activating a camera to inform motorists of the upcoming change, the region said.

The automated speed enforcement locations, identified as the highest potential risk for school children, were selected by reviewing traffic volume, school population and travel speed.

“More than 90 per cent of pedestrians involved in a vehicle collision results in injuries or fatalities,” said King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini, who is also the chairperson of the region’s transportation services. “This technology will help reinforce the message that motorists need to slow down.”

The mobile unit will rotate among these 12 community safety zones covering 19 schools.

For more information on road safety programs, visit york.ca/traffic.