Sault council gets feedback on plan to install cameras to enforce speed limits

Residents in the Sault expressed concerns ranging from vandalism to privacy invasions during recent consultations on the city's plan to install automated speed enforcement cameras.

The city received more than 700 unique comments from open houses held Aug. 19 and Oct. 9. Residents could also send feedback online.

"Numerous positive comments were received supporting traffic safety and reducing speed, citing positive examples from other Ontario communities," said a staff report headed to city council Nov. 12.

Not surprisingly, a number of concerns were also raised. One of the biggest was concerns the ASE cameras would be vandalized, as has happened repeatedly in Greater Sudbury.

But the staff report said the cost of repairing the cameras is covered in the lease agreement.

"Staff will also review best practices from other communities regarding the ASE program," the report said.

Many residents said the camera program is really a "cash grab," but the report said the program is about improving road safety. The startup costs are estimated at $1 million.

"If any revenue is generated, it will be used for other road safety initiatives," the report said.

"At this time, ASE is only allowed to be placed in school zones or in community safety zones where there is a higher presence of vulnerable road users."

In response to privacy concerns, the report said the cameras will only capture a photo of the vehicle, the time, date and location of the offence, the speed the vehicle was travelling and the posted speed limit.

"This information is stored on an encrypted device; only the vendor may access the device," the report said.

"The device is then delivered to the provincial offence officer, the only person who can access the encrypted information on the device."

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Some respondents said the cameras should allow for some "discretion" for vehicles travelling just slightly above the speed limit.

"Speed limits are laws, not guidelines," the report said.

"Staying at or below the posted limit ensures no ticket will be issued."

While some people said police, not cameras, should enforce speed limits, the report said the ASE cameras will only be used in school and community safety zones, complementing police enforcement.

Read the full report here.