Comment 104805

By hshields (registered) - website | Posted September 24, 2014 at 13:42:06

Great article and it raises a related point: Traffic lights and a comprehensive safety and traffic calming strategy.

As some of you know, our City has recently come into some serious cash with the installation of red light cameras. It is now at the point that the City's solicitor is asking to double her staff because she anticipates the workload will be too much but don't worry - the cash being generated by tickets will cover this expense with still millions left to go to general account.

I thought of this cash grab when you mentioned the green wave. Timed signal lights induce a particular speed and approach to driving. You drive to match the lights. If the lights are timed for an average 50-60km/h your vehicular speed will naturally be at that speed if not faster simply in anticipation of timed lights. However, if timed traffic signals were to be reduced to say 45-50km/h it would provide the motorist with the cues needed in anticipated roadway approaches and anticipated speeds.

Sadly, the City has failed to communicate how exactly it will be using red light cash grab money. I assume some of those millions will be used to install cycle tracks. I assume some of those millions will be used to paint zebra crossings and bump-outs and pollards. But, without a comprehensive safety and calming strategy that includes the restoration of complete streets as BOTH an economic inducer and safety measure, what we are left with are millions being collected, a bloating municipal bureaucracy and half hearted attempts to appease activist demands for safer and saner streets.

Show us slower speeds by modifying timed thoroughfares and show us where the cash grab money is going and I'll be a happy camper.

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