Speeding
Speeding - something we must address
Complaints about speeding are probably the most commonly received ones by the municipality. Speeding in some areas is certainly more common than others.
This boils down to drivers following the posted speed limit and police enforcement.
SFT contracts with the OPP to provide our municipal police services. This represents the third biggest part of the tax levy, after roads and capital projects.
We need to work with the OPP Detachment Commander to examine ways that they can provide more police visibility within the township. We are paying for this. Saying that they have other (provincial) responsibilities and don’t have the officers to provide speed enforcement and other proactive activities needs to be addressed.
Traffic Calming strategies may work in some areas. These can include:
reduced speed limits
one way traffic
removable speed bumps (that can be moved around)
speed humps
flashing digital speed indicators (that can be moved around)
As a first step, we should consider the possibility of creating some “Community Safety Zones”, where fines and points are double. These should be looked at within the hamlets and especially around our schools.
I would look to return to the SFT Police Services Board as Mayor, draw on my previous experiences as a board member, and bring this important issue forward.