Malahat driving better under photo radar

Re: “Study says speed cameras make roads dangerous,” letter, July 21. Perhaps Malahat drivers were smarter than U.K. drivers — I never saw anyone slam on the brakes if they saw a van parked on the side of the Malahat.

I happened to be on the Malahat right after photo radar was initiated. The difference was instant. Everyone slowed down to the speed limit plus 10 km/h. It was the most calm and relaxing drive I’d had in years on that road. And it pretty much stayed that way until the B.C. Liberals removed photo radar.

From time to time in the following years, the Times Colonist published statistics showing accidents, deaths and injuries increased. I have always held the Liberal government at least partly responsible, as well as responsible for the scary drive the Malahat has become.

All the challenges the anti-photo-radar folks made were litigated and resolved in favour of photo radar, and, since then, redlight cameras have gone digital and can “catch” speeders running red lights. All it would take is the political will.

I was grateful for the years the Malahat was a safer, more sensible place to drive. Please, bring it back.

A cash grab? Doesn’t traffic-ticket revenue now go to local governments, rather than the province? And the victim surcharge to a fund to help victims of crime. Perhaps photo radar could help pay for the road work on the Malahat. Maybe even reduce the need for more of it. Lee Porteous Victoria