Durham camera clocks 100,000 speeders

JENNIFER O’MEARA

One new Durham speed camera clocked a driver travelling more than 136 km/h over the limit, and over a 40-day stretch another camera captured more than 100,000 vehicles driving too fast. Durham’s new automated speed enforcement cameras were turned on in some school zones and designated community safety zones on regional roads on June 1. Fines are not yet being issued, but the cameras have already started to collect data on some roadways.

The early data is reinforcing the need to modify aggressive driving and create safer roadways, according to a statement from the Region of Durham.

Over 40 days, one camera captured more than 100,000 vehicles travelling above the posted speed limit in a community safety zone on Simcoe Street in Oshawa. About one-third of those drivers were travelling in peak traffic times.

“Although an extreme outlier, the top speed captured on Bayly Street was 196 km/h — 136 km/h over the speed limit. That is a blatant disregard for human life,” Durham transportation director Ramesh Jagannathan said in the statement.

The new automated speed enforcement and red-light cameras are part of Durham Vision Zero’s goal to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on the roadways. Speed is a contributing factor in one-third of fatal collisions. Reducing speeds is the best way to reduce both the frequency and severity of collisions in the community , according to the region, and automated speed enforcement has proven to be an effective way to get drivers to slow down.

“The data collected so far indicates how this technology will play a significant role in creating safer roads for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists ,” Jagannathan added.

Twelve red-light cameras and four speed cameras are being installed on Durham roadways this year, with plans for more.

The cameras are expected to be fully operational — meaning issuing fines to the registered owner of the vehicle — by the end of August through to early September, just in time for back-to-school safety on the roads.

“It is easy to avoid getting a fine, simply follow the law and drive safe,” said Jagannathan.