Red-light camera on way
Three-quarters of the B.C. government’s red-light intersection cameras are now up and running across the province — but none of them are in Kamloops.
The busiest intersection on the North Shore — Eighth Street and Fortune Drive/Tranquille Road — is one of 140 sites across B.C. to be outfitted with a new red-light camera.
The provincial government announced this week that 105 of the 140 cameras are now operational.
The Eight and Fortune camera is one of the 35 still to be completed.
“Keeping British Columbian families safe is our No. 1 priority,” said Solicitor General Shirley Bond.
“Intersection crashes are far too common. We need to use as many tools as possible — including intersection cameras — to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.”
Eight and Fortune — which, according to the province, records an average of 48 collisions per year — will be the only Kamloops intersection outfitted with a working red-light camera.
Older-style units had been in operation at four locations throughout the city — Summit and Notre Dame, Columbia and Summit, Victoria and 10th and Fortune and Nelson — but are no longer in use.
ICBC said those intersections were chosen at a time when authorities did not have a lot of data to go on.
That has since changed.
“We know these cameras will help reduce the intersection-related crashes, but it’s important that we continue to think about the role we can play to help make our roads safer,” said Fiona Temple, ICBC’s director of road safety.
“Whether you’re a driver, motorcycle rider, cyclist or pedestrian, slow down and use extra caution at intersections.”
Drivers caught on camera running red lights will receive a $167 ticket. That money will go toward the municipality in which the infraction was recorded.
The remaining 35 units are expected to be installed and operational by the end of 2011.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.