Kawartha Lakes eyes Automated Speed Enforcement to curb speeding

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Drivers may soon face stiffer penalties for speeding, as the municipality considers an Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program.

During the Tuesday, October 22nd council meeting, councillors endorsed a call-out to vendors, to assess the logistics and costs of implementing ASE, aiming to address what has become residents' top complaint.

Recent ASE legislation updates allow municipalities to issue speed infractions through an administrative monetary penalty (AMP) system, treating speeding tickets similarly to parking tickets. This approach could streamline enforcement and help tackle persistent speeding concerns across the region.

"People speeding is now exceeding (the condition of) roads as the No. 1 complaint by constituents," said, Ward 3 Councillor, Mike Perry. Mr. Perry cited the success of digital speed signs, such as those in Long Beach, as evidence of the effectiveness of targeted speed-control measures and called for further action.

Ward 8 Councillor, Tracy Richardson highlighted the rapid increase in speeding across Kawartha Lakes, stressing, it affects residents on multiple levels—from work commuters to parents shuttling children to activities. "This is a huge concern, and it’s only going to worsen as Kawartha Lakes grows," Ms. Richardson said, underscoring the need to expedite the program.

Deputy Mayor and Ward 7 Councillor, Charlie McDonald added, speeding issues are widespread across all wards, calling for measures to slow down traffic throughout the municipality.

The municipality previously implemented the “40 is the New 50” initiative, a program targeting rural speed zones in 16 communities. While the initiative has helped, Ward 1 Councillor, Emmett Yeo cautioned, ASE’s effectiveness would vary, particularly in areas like Coboconk, Norland, and Omemee, where main streets are provincial highways. Ward 6 Councillor, Dan Joyce suggested staff liaise with the Ministry of Transportation, to address these areas.

Despite ASE’s initial costs, the program could generate substantial revenue through fines. Potential penalties could range from $5 per kilometre, for minor speed infractions, up to $12 per kilometre, for higher speeds, with severe cases resulting in court summonses.

The council discussed deploying speed cameras in strategic locations, such as school zones, to maximize safety. While staff proposed delaying a speed board program until 2026, Mike Perry successfully advocated for expedited funding. Additionally, council proposed residents and service groups might consider fundraising to install speed cameras and boards in their communities.