City council has given the green light to a new automated speed enforcement program that could see eyes in the skies on some city streets by late next year.
The automated program will be administrated via a third-party contract with the Town of Newmarket and uses both cameras and speed measurement devices to detect and record vehicles exceeding posted speed limits.
Coun. David Campbell says he believes there is no better traffic calming measure than automated speed enforcement.
"If someone speeds, they get a ticket," he said. "They're not going to do it again, hopefully."
Campbell's only concern is that the city will likely need to sign a four-year deal with the Town of Newmarket for the provision of the program, which could restrict them from utilizing other speed-deterring technologies or services as they become available over the coming years.
The program will be limited to use in school zones and four community safety zones, which council will have to designate and declare through bylaws.
Like Campbell, Coun. Jay Fallis also spoke highly of the program.
"I do like the fact that staff have identified this solely for community safety zones at this point," he said. "I think that's very appropriate."
Steven Murphy, the city's traffic engineer, says signage leading up to the speed enforcement areas will be required under the Highway Traffic Act. Signage and communications will be posted 90 days before the program goes live, he told council on Monday.
Coun. Tim Lauer asked Murphy if the program would be a "money maker."
"All I can say is that we expect that it will cover the installation," Murphy explained. "I would like to stress that speed enforcement is about safety and safety first. That's why it's only in safety zones."
The program will cost the city $285,000 to start, which covers leasing costs, public awareness, installation and electrical connection of speed cameras in the designated community safety zones.
Potential fines for speed infractions in safety zones could result in fines of $3 for every km when driving 1-19km over the posted speed limit; $4.50 for every km when driving 20-29km over the posted speed limit; $7 for every km when driving 30-49km over the posted speed limit; and $9.75 for every km when driving 50km or more over the posted speed limit.
The program is not expected to be operational until late next year pending the negotiated contract with the Town of Newmarket.
