A Tiny Township councillor wants the municipality to take serious steps to curb speeding in the area.
Coun. Tony Mintoff brought forward a recommendation around automated speed enforcment at a recent council meeting.
"I think the township has been wrestling with this issue of speeding vehicles and the problems associated for a long time now," he said. "We've taken a number of steps to mitigate this issue. We've lowered speed limits in some areas, we've utilized radar signs, enlisted paid duty (officers), and we've used traffic calming devices.
"In my view, the problem still persists," added Mintoff. "I think if anything it's probably getting worse than better. I think it's time for a change in direction."
He said the township needs to take advantage of the recent authorization by the province allowing municipalities to use photo radars in school zones and community safety zones.
"In my view, the signs that we have everywhere throughout the municipality ranging from parking to dogs on beaches to speeding just become white noise after a while," said Mintoff. "I really do believe we need to introduce some sort of consequence to curb poor and unsafe driving habits."
He said other municipalities, such as the City of Toronto, have taken up the opportunity to implement photo radar as a technique to enforce speeds.
"I understand even some counties and regions in Ontario are either implementing or considering implementation," said Mintoff. "Every resident I've spoken to about speed cameras has been met with positive support.
"I'd just like to put it on the table for discussion to, hopefully, get council support and give direction to staff to investigate the feasibility of implementing some sort of automated speed enforcement program in the township."
He received support immediately from Coun. Gibb Wishart, who thought it was a "great idea."
Wishart said he and residents on Wilson and Marshall Roads, which, he added, have become bypasses for the mall area in Midland, experience high traffic starting at about 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m., only to resume at 3 p.m. in the afternoon to go on until 5 p.m.
"I've been trying to get public works to make it a non-trucking road," he said. "The poor road has been smashed to bits. We have four farms that have horses and sometimes you have novice riders crossing the road.
"With a 60km/hr limit, it's not a problem, even if it someone is doing 80, it's not a problem," said Wishart. "It's when they're rocketing down the road it's a problem. I'm very much in favour of doing something."
Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma was also in support of his peers.
"I'd love to get a staff report on it, with maybe the inclusion of a pilot project for 2021," he said, adding he would like to see both of the township's school zones targeted with the pilot project. "The question is do (staff) have enough time to put together something for budget?"
Tim Leitch, director of public works, said staff would have to take a detailed look at the implications and regulations but could likely bring forward something for the 2021 budget.
The committee's decision to ask staff to report back in this regard for the 2021 budget deliberations must be ratified at the next council meeting, Sept. 9.
