Council hasn’t yet given the green light to a red-light camera program in Collingwood, but they will be considering asking for more information the prospect at their meeting on Monday.
At their meeting on Jan. 12, council will be considering a motion put forward by Coun. Chris Potts to have town staff facilitate a presentation on red-light camera enforcement technology in the municipality, in preparation of the outcome of the town’s master mobility and transportation plan, which is expected this year.
“We’ve had some feedback from residents about their concerns, asking us to install red-light cameras,” explained Potts in an interview.
In December, council voted in favour of a motion put forward by Coun. Kathy Jeffery calling on town staff to facilitate a presentation on a future automated speed enforcement program for the town no later than Jan. 31. If the red-light camera presentation is approved by councillors this week, both presentations will be made to council to help inform action items through the town’s master mobility and transportation plan.
“I wanted to put it forward so we could study it at the same time, recognizing there are some safety challenges in the municipality. We’re really looking for information at this point to see what it would take,” said Potts.
A red-light camera is an automated system that detects and captures images of vehicles entering an intersection while the traffic signal is red. The program is focused on altering driver behaviour to decrease red-light running and increase safety.
Images are reviewed by Provincial Offences officers and tickets are issued to the owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving.
Upon conviction, the only penalty is a fine; no demerit points are issued nor will the registered owners’ driving record be impacted. The fine for running a red light in Ontario is $325.
There are currently 81 red-light cameras in the City of Ottawa and 358 in the Greater Toronto Area. Peel Region has 35 red-light cameras spread across Mississauga and Brampton.
In Simcoe County, Innisfil currently has red-light cameras at the intersection of King Street and Queen/Church Street (Highway 89 and 27) in Cookstown. More than 18,000 vehicles drive through the intersection each day.
Council’s regular meeting will take place on Monday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. Any members of the public may attend in person in council chambers at Collingwood town hall, or virtually by Zoom webinar. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel here.
