Word out of Queen’s Park that the province wants to reduce speed limits to 40km/h came as a bit of a surprise to local politicians this past week.
For most communities, streets or sections of road requiring a reduced speed limit have already taken place. School zones typically have a 40km/h speed limit with increased fines for drivers lacking enough common sense to slow down in those areas.
This move from the province is yet another sign of a dithering government far happier to engage in talk about safety or some obscure issue, rather than its dismal record of fiscal management.
In keeping with its obvious disregard for the taxpayer or costs for municipalities – the two run in tandem – the reduction of speed limits across Ontario will cost a small fortune. Between council and staff time preparing bylaws, there will be a higher price to pay in implementing said bylaws. Imagine for a moment the amount of signs required for such a move.
It seems to be a theme these days with government. New programs and policies are announced that may sound great or add a distraction from one boondoggle or another.
With all seriousness, is there some place somewhere that we missed in the News where people were protesting to see a reduction in speed limits across the board?
Adding to these speed limit reductions will be increased opportunities for police to lay charges. Most people are imperfect drivers. The chances of having a vehicle impounded or a racing charge being laid will increase under this proposal, as the drivers unwittingly enter such zones and maybe do not realize how fast they are really going. That’s not an excuse, but a reality on the road. It seems to us it would be far easier to set up programs with police forces to enforce speed limits already in place.
Local politicians need to send a loud message that such a policy change is out to lunch.
Ice storm money in the mail?
While speaking out against the speed limit reduction idea, politicians might want to ask, “Where’s the money?”
In 2013, municipalities and residents were heavily impacted by storm damage that resulted in hydro being out for days. It was a life-time event, with most of us never having seen such debilitating weather.
As is customary, the province offered up storm funding under the Ice Storm Assistance Fund, which was established to offset the burden placed on municipalities with significant clean-up costs. To date only Centre Wellington, Mapleton and Puslinch have been advised they will receive the full amount of their claims. That leaves Wellington North, Guelph-Eramosa, Erin and Minto, waiting for word on funds approaching $250,000.
We hope councils see their cheques soon.
