Combatting Speeding in Ward 21
The number one issue my office hears about from residents is related vehicular traffic and speeding throughout the ward. Rural Ottawa has the highest percentage of all fatal collisions throughout the entire city – representing over one-third (or 37%) of all fatal collisions and only 9% of all reportable collisions in the City of Ottawa.
Driving at a safe speed is only one factor to prevent collisions, other factors include: failing to yield the right-of-way, distraction and inattention, actions from other drivers, disobeying traffic control devices, and more. To help drivers avoid these mistakes, I have been pushing for more safety measures in our ward through traffic control devices, temporary traffic calming measures, roadway signage and lighting, rumble strips, roadway shoulder maintenance, and more ASE cameras, just to name a few. While I am not a miracle worker, I am doing my best.
I am pleased that, over the next few weeks, the installation of two new Automated Speed Enforcement (“ASE”) cameras will be completed in the Ward. One camera will be installed on Ottawa Street (across from South Carleton High School) between Cockburn Street and McBean Street. The other location is on Bridge Street (in front of Manotick Public School) between Long Island Road and West River Drive – which I fought to get funding for in the 2024 budget deliberations last year.
Through talking with residents, I know how eager many of you are to have ASE cameras installed in the areas around your neighbourhood. However, determining the locations of the cameras are out of my control. Provincial legislation, under the Highway Traffic Act, only allows for the use of ASE cameras in designated school zones and community safety zones.
A community safety zone is a section of roadway that has been designated through a by-law and recognized under provincial legislation, identifying it as an area where public safety is of special concern. In short, the City works within strict guidelines to determine if and where an ASE camera can be installed throughout Ottawa.
Whether you support or oppose the City’s use of ASE cameras, the fact is they have a 200 percent increase in compliance with the speed limit where they are deployed. I will continue to advocate for more enhancements for rural roads and use all the tools in our toolbox to keep road users safe now and in the future.