Christine Boyle, a Vancouver city councillor expressed her disappointment over the amendment to her motion, which proposed tripling the number of speed and red-light cameras at city intersections. The motion was tabled at the recent Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities meeting and credited speed as the main cause of fatal province-wide traffic accidents and a considerable factor in crashes resulting in serious injuries.
The motion advocated for steps towards eliminating road traffic casualties and grave injuries by curtailing vehicle speed and investing in safer streets. Boyle asserted such measures would make Vancouver a safer, healthier, and more inclusive city for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
Currently, there are 43 safety cameras positioned at various city intersections. Data in the motion suggested these cameras generate annual revenues touching $8.2 million from fines for violations. The presentation of this motion was met with unanimous support from a series of speakers at the council meeting.
Another city councillor, Brian Montague, suggested an amendment to the motion, calling for consultation with stakeholders like the Vancouver Police Department and ICBC. He expressed a desire for these groups to collaborate in identifying high-risk intersections and root causes of the said collisions. Stating his position, he said, “I don’t think the motion has hit the right path and I don’t think it goes far enough.”
Boyle, however, voiced her disagreement with the amendments, expressing that there is already ample evidence to validate the positive effects of red-light and speed cameras at intersections. She articulated her frustration, stating that instead of collaborating with the province for action, the focus continues to remain on conducting studies.
The initial motion garnered support from several organizations, including Vancouver General Hospital Trauma Services. It issued a letter, citing the observation of trauma surgeons at the largest Level 1 Trauma Centre in British Columbia, who routinely witness the catastrophic consequences of motor vehicle accidents with over a third of such cases transpiring in the City of Vancouver.
On record, the province installed speed cameras at 140 high-risk intersections in 2019. Both the provincial authorities and traffic safety advocates have advocated their efficacy in reducing pedestrian traffic incidents.
“About 80 per cent of car crashes happen at intersections,” noted Jade Buchanan, a volunteer with Vision Zero. “It makes complete sense.”
Boyle’s motion, inclusive of Montague’s amendments, was approved by the council last Wednesday. The city staff has now been instructed to compile a report for the council with recommendations by the next year.
