Speeders a growing concern
‘Most people have lost their mind,’ as Region plans crackdown
Niagara Region hopes to implement a new program and technology at the start of next year to help deal with speeding drivers on regional roadways.
The municipality’s transportation services director, Carolyn Ryall, said her department has been inundated with calls from residents concerned about bad drivers in the months since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“I think collectively, most people have lost their mind in Niagara Region when it comes to driving,” said Lincoln Coun. Rob Foster at Tuesday’s public works committee meeting.
Fort Erie Coun. Tom Insinna raised the issue, referring specifically to Dominion Road in Fort Erie.
“It has come under a lot of scrutiny in the media with regards to speeding and previous accidents,” he said.
St. Catharines Coun. Tim Rigby, however, said the problem is far more widespread.
“We’ve been having a number of complaints around the region and other areas, basically with the same concern,” said Rigby, the public works committee chair.
“It is a problem — that and
mufflers,” he said, referring to recent complaints about noisy vehicles in several municipalities including St. Catharines.
Ryall said her department has “been dealing with a huge volume of calls with regards to speeding” in the months since the pandemic began.
“It seems to be something that’s a little outside the norm of what we’ve seen in the past,” she added.
Ryall said her department has been working closely with Niagara Regional Police to address concerns.
“The NRP has been working to get as many officers out there to assist, as we’re receiving the calls and we’re receiving many a day.”
Meanwhile, she said, the Region is working with chief executive officers of municipalities across Niagara on implementing a program called Vision Zero to address speeding.
Councillors first supported implementing a Vision Zero road safety plan for last November at a cost of up to $5.8 million ayear, to be implemented at the start of this year.
Foster said in an interview that implementing the plan was “somewhat put on hold” partially due to the pandemic.
“Our transportation staff are now swinging back into play with this thing,” he said.
“We’re looking at introduction of cameras, of more community safety zones and other public safety initiatives that really are going to help us here in Niagara Region.”