It was just yesterday that the Star Phoenix reported on the number of tickets handed out on the very first day of the "School Zones" taking effect (37). What amazes me is that apparently City Officials believe the best way to get compliance is to set up speed traps in front of a couple of schools and hand out tickets to many motorists that were most likely unaware they entered a school zone. I have over the last number of years driven by these schools and for the most part, the signs are so inconspicuous one really must be "ON GUARD" every weekday from Sept 1 to June 30. Why hasn't the City of Saskatoon taken a proactive approach to informing motorists they are entering or nearing a school zone. There are numerous signs and radar devices, such as the example here, that would be more than adequate to advise motorists the need to slow down. Handing out fines does nothing for the safety of the children across the city. Even where the police are set up, one must first break the law and potentially hit a child, before a ticket is handed out. This shouldn't be the situation the city is employing.
Ever since the School Zone speed limit has been introduced the Police have handed out tickets, yet every fall the same issue is again in the spotlight. Why is it we don't hear anything about Regina's Police handing out Thousands of dollars in fines the first day their schools are in. If we are going to continue with this ridiculous system of on/off speed zones the City should at least spend some of that revenue on making them more visible.
These signs won't stop everyone from speeding, but at least they will be a reminder and warning to motorists that slowing down is not only the law but also the best way to keep the points on your license from going up.
Drive safe and remember we don't all need to be Road Warriors.
The school zones need to be kept hidden so that the city can haul in enough tickets to help subsidize all of Atch's egotistical projects.
ReplyDeleteEach ticket handed out should come with a free admission (as we all know there will now be an admission) to the new mega Art Gallery. It would help soften the blow, getting a thank you and free admission to gallery with your speeding ticket.
I think the introdution of school zones was reactive and not well planned. How about teaching students about traffic safety and putting in more marked pedestrian crossings at elementary schools. Or building schools away from high traffic main arteries.
ReplyDeleteOn the first day of school I drove by Walter Murray. The 30kn zone became a 10km zone as students ran in and out of traffic and from between parked cars. If the city needs a cash cow issue jay-walking tickets around the high schools.
No sympathy at all. If you don't want a ticket, don't speed. The "I didn't know it was a school zone" excuse doesn't fly.
ReplyDeleteHow can one be unaware they have entered a school zone? The signs are rather hard to miss, unless you are too busy texting, changing cd's, applying makeup, shaving, looking at the cute girl in the car next to you....
ReplyDeleteAs a resident of Saskatoon for the past number of years, and Edmonton for a far greater number prior to this, my only suggestion is that Saskatoon's street speeds are neither well marked, nor are they well monitored. Yup, you heard me right. A speed trap in Saskatoon? I think I've seen one on eight street since I have been here, and occasional road patrolling on Preston. Saskatoon drivers are horribly disrespectful to pedestrians, cyclists, and simply do not consider other drivers. Constant lack of signalling, u-turns, and either driving too fast or too slow. The City needs to do more to create a culture of respectful driving by increasing awareness of the traffic laws. And yes, this means more police patrols and speed traps. There is absolutely no need to speed anywhere in this city - everything is close. You are not saving yourself any time by going over the posted limit.
ReplyDeleteMan, that was really a bummer! Definitely the "older and wiser" attitude is the better solution. Although I understand why you blurred at the cop because you were very pissed because he pulled you over. It's a good thing you learned your lesson regardingtraffic tickets, if only there were more drivers who that would understand the necessity of a calm attitude when being pulled over by the police.
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