More speed enforcement cameras on the way
York Region is installing 20 new Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras on Regional roads, with three mobile cameras continuing to rotate every three months in select community safety zones.
It made the announcement on May 14 as part of Canada Road Safety Week at an event showcasing a new ASE camera on Warden Avenue near Unionville High School in the City of Markham. Representatives from York Region, York Regional Police, York Region Paramedic Services and traffic safety partners came together at the event.
York Region reminds pedestrians to use the ‘push’ button before crossing the road and for drivers to slow down and be more aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially because this crosswalk is highly used by students going to school.
The ASE program is part of the Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, which includes 100 measures aimed at reducing severe collisions by 10 per cent by 2028. With more than 90 per cent of pedestrian-vehicle collisions resulting in injuries or fatalities and aggressive driving, including speeding, accounting for 45 per cent of severe collisions, the cameras are “crucial to keep the community safe,” the Region reports.
ASE cameras help reduce vehicle speeds by about 10 kilometres per hour, increase speed limit compliance by roughly 25 per cent and can reduce collisions by 48 per cent, it notes. The Region has also installed large ‘school zone’ speed signs, ‘community safety zone’ signs (with increased fines), ‘ASE’ signs and ‘slow down’ pavement markings.
School zone speed limits are enforced from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday from September to June during school travel times. Outside those hours, regular speed limits apply. All posted speed limits are in effect regardless of holidays, professional activity days and summer months.
For more information on camera locations, the ASE program or to pay penalties, visit york.ca/TrafficCameraEnforcement.
Photo from the road safety event held at Unionville High School courtesy of York Region.