Over a 40-day period, just one camera captured more than 100,000 vehicles travelling above the posted speed limit in a community safety zone on Simcoe Street in Oshawa.
And, about one third of those drivers were travelling in peak traffic times, according to Ramesh Jagannathan, Durham Director of Transportation and Field Services.
“Although an extreme outlier, the top speed captured on Bayly Street was 196 km per hour—136 km over the speed limit—that is a blatant disregard for human life,” he added.
He said this data further enforces the need for safety equipment to modify aggressive driving behavior and create safer roadways for everyone.
Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is currently being installed in school zones and designated Community Safety Zones, and Red Light Cameras (RLC) are being set up at intersections, he said.
Twelve red light cameras and four automated speed enforcement cameras are being installed on Durham roadways this year, with plans for additional camera locations in the future.
“As part of Durham Vision Zero, both initiatives are reminders to slow down and drive safe, and are expected to be implemented by the end of August through to early September—just in time for back to school safety on our roadways,” said Jagannathan.
He said although fines are not yet being issued, installed ASE and RLCs have started to collect data.
The data collected so far indicates how this technology will play a significant role in creating safer roads for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. The goal of Automated Speed Enforcement and Red Light Cameras – two Durham Vision Zero initiatives – is not only to correct aggressive driving behaviour, but it is part of a long-term plan to ensure a safe transportation system that sees no lives lost or serious injuries on Durham roads. It is easy to avoid getting a fine, simply follow the law and drive safe, said Jagannathan.
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