The Town of Newmarket is installing speed cameras this week in preparation for activation in the days to come.
The cameras have appeared in neighbourhoods this week, along with updated signage indicating they are active. The municipality confirmed that the program will start with warning period next week, with drivers caught speeding receiving letters urging them to change behaviour before fines begin in September.
“Our goal is not to issue tickets or punish drivers, our goal is to educate and provide sufficient warning that speed cameras are coming," Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said in a news release.
The municipality has developed the program for several months, polling residents as it ramps up to activate the cameras. The cameras are being placed in community safety zones around schools, aimed at curbing speeding in the community.
The town has a map listing out the locations of the camera, but the map is not fully updated. However, camera locations have begun to make themselves apparent, with 14 in all set to come into the community.
One camera is set up at the corner of Queen Street and Wilstead Drive, outside J.L.R. Bell Public School. Residents have also reported them in other spots near schools, such as Longford Street in front of the Maple Leaf Public School.
Residents have expressed mixed emotions on speed cameras. But Town of Newmarket polling found that 70 per cent of respondents agreed with more measures being put in place to reduce speeding, while 20 per cent were not. The polling got closer when asked directly if people are in favour of speed cameras near schools: 65 per cent in favour, 35 per cent against.
“It’s a school zone. Drive properly and ya won’t get a speeding ticket,” one resident said on social media in response to cameras going up. “Let’s keep kids and our community safe.”
Once the cameras are active in September, tickets get set to be at the following:
- 1 to 19 kilometres per hour over the maximum speed limit, $5 per kilometre
- 20 to 29 kilometres per hour over the maximum speed limit, $7.50 per kilometre
- 30 to 39 kilometres per hour over the maximum speed limit, $12 per kilometre
- 50 kilometres per hour over the maximum speed limit, $19.50 per kilometre
