Timmins residents driven mad by speeding along rural detour route
Drivers along Laforest Road were behaving with CTV News looking on, but residents like Nicole Charbonneau say that when the cameras are off, speeders are rampant.
Charbonneau said she and her husband, who have lived in the area for almost 45 years, have grown frustrated with detouring traffic from connecting link construction in the last few years.
“Sometimes, I think I want to move because it’s too busy,” said Charbonneau.
“We lived in the country for peace and quiet. We used to be able to sit down outside, in our gazebo, and enjoy the tranquility. That’s gone, for sure.”
Charbonneau said the rumble of heavy trucks barrelling down the roadway causes light fixtures in her home to shake and the strong vibrations jolt her awake at night.
The Timmins Police Service’s community liaison officer, Marc Depatie, said this is one of many speeding-prone areas being looked at.
“It is a well-used artery, in terms of accessing the airport and other industrial sites, but there has to be some common ground here, between motorists who use this roadway and for them to be respectful of the speed limit,” said Depatie.
The police service’s traffic unit recommended dropping the speed limit for Laforest Road to as low as 60 km/h from 80 km/h, to balance safety and travel time.
Drivers along Laforest Road were behaving with CTV News looking on, but residents like Nicole Charbonneau say that when the cameras are off, speeders are rampant. (Photo from video)
City councillor Lorne Feldman wants to explore installing a speed camera.
“Reducing speed and putting up signs to act as a deterrent, really aren’t making the impact we want,” Feldman said.
“I see photo radar as potentially an option.”
Police are not taking a position on the matter, Depatie said, but noted that some municipalities have made effective use of the technology.
It can neglect the human element of law enforcement, he said, where an officer can use discretion if a driver is speeding due to an emergency.
“Is the problem that significant that is merits that type of response,” is the question Depatie said city council needs to consider.
o Download our app to get local alerts on your device
o Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Which is why Timmins police stationed a radar speed sign on Laforest Road to collect data on its real traffic conditions for council.
Photo radar is a tool often brought up in response to speeding, but hasn’t been implemented in the northeast.
Feldman hopes to discuss it further at the next council meeting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.