Editor: Eliminating photo radar. Are you kidding?
If you are concerned about it, don’t speed. It is the perfect user pay tax.
For many years I have had the weekly opportunity to drive in both Calgary and Greater Vancouver where they have no photo radar. When comparing Stoney Trail with Hwy 1 in Vancouver the difference is significant.
For the most part in Calgary people are more polite and drive close to the speed limit. In Vancouver it is very much a free for all. Typically the speed ranges from 20 to 30 kph over the posted speed limit and often higher.
In 2009, there was a study done comparing the provinces, using accident and death rates per million kilometres driven. The difference was negligible but when considering that the majority of the population in B.C. lives and drives in a more desirable driving environment speed becomes more of a factor.
In that study the death rate per year was only greater by 1 - 2 people in B.C. it is easy to justify the elimination of photo radar until the 1 - 2 are your own family or friends.
Add this to the additional cost of enforcement needed to control speeds, photo radar seems like a cost efficient way to generate revenue and control driving habits.
Ernie Phillips,
Banff
