Grey Highlands council wants higher speeding fines in Ontario

Grey Highlands council would like to see fines for speeding increased across the province.

At its meeting on Sept. 7, council passed a resolution brought forward by Coun. Dane Nielsen to ask the province to hike fines for those caught exceeding the speed limit.

Nielsen said in recent years the province dramatically increased fines for street racing, which has helped slow drivers travelling north to the Bruce Peninsula area.

“We have seen a significant decrease in the number of racing charges on the Bruce Peninsula,” said Nielsen. “We have evidence that an increase in the fine does deter racing.”

For several years, speeding on Highway 6 on the Bruce Peninsula was a serious concern. A number of measures designed to slow drivers down were put in place including: increased fines, signage and a policing blitz.

Nielson's motion also suggests the idea that 20 km/h over the speed limit is "considered normal." 

In order to advocate for increased fines, the municipality will lobby the ministry of the solicitor general and will send their motion to the Association of Municipalites of Ontario, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association and all municipalities in Ontario to gather support. 

The resolution received the full support of council and passed unanimously in a 5-0 vote. Deputy Mayor Aakash Desai and Coun. Cathy Little were absent.