School zone signage not clear enough

I received a photo radar ticket in the mail after returning to Ontario from a visit to Regina. The offence was recorded on a Sunday.

After sharing with city council my thoughts regarding the ticket and concern as to ambiguous school zone speed limit signage, I learned that:

Council recognizes the need for improved signage, BUT;

There is no plan to change current signage due to cost.

Given those facts, I might suggest it’s only fair that all photo radar tickets (30-50 km/h) issued in school zones on weekends be voided and money returned to drivers ticketed.

Perhaps reduced speed limits in school zones should be enforced only during the week (Monday-friday) until improved signage is in place that clearly indicates the posted limit is enforced 365 days/year?

I also believe the use of photo radar to enforce reduced speed limits in school zones 365 days/year, regardless of whether children are present or not, borders on abuse of power (some would call a “money grab”). Why not simply reduce the speed limit on all residential streets to 30 km/h on the chance that children may be playing in their front yards?

Photo radar will not prevent pedestrian accidents but driver education will. Rather than paying a fine, perhaps drivers caught speeding in school zones should be required to take a special traffic safety course focused on increased caution around schools and playgrounds.

And what about school safety programs (e.g. Elmer the Safety Elephant)? It takes two to tango.

I encourage the residents of Regina to share their thoughts and concerns directly with city council. Kevin Solie, Rockwood, Ont.