Red light cameras considered to combat crosswalk problem

September 2, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Michelle Janzen

Once again, local resident Gord Craig attended Shelburne’s Council meeting on Monday, August 22, and arrived just in time for question period, where he is known to bring up concerns with regard to Town issues such as the new crosswalk.

Back in July, the Shelburne Free Press reported that Craig had approached Council with regard to the danger of crossing at the new crosswalk on Main Street as vehicles were not stopping. In once such incident, Craig said “had it not been for Constable Fines yelling at me to get out of the way while crossing with the lights flashing I would have been hit! Constable Fines saved my life.”

Town of Shelburne CAO John Telfer, at that point, said “steps are being taken to resolve the issue and the MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) is well aware of the problems we are having.”

“The Shelburne Police are taking to resolve the issues and it is reflected in the number of recent infractions of this type that had been issued,” Randy Chambers, Chair of the Police Services Board, pointed out.

At this meeting, Craig highlighted that the crosswalk remains unsafe to cross.

“There are pot holes on the south side of the crosswalk and a slippery dust-like substance on the north side of the road that makes it hard for those in wheelchairs or the elderly to safely get from one side of Main Street to the other,” Craig said. “Once again, I was nearly hit at the crosswalk when the lights were flashing. It’s like I’m a car magnet. I’m actually paranoid crossing the street.”

When Craig reported the incident to the Shelburne Police, Craig said he was told there was nothing that could be done as they did not see the incident. Craig says he then pointed out there were cameras on Town Hall, which he was subsequently told Shelburne Police did not have access to.

“Why can’t the Shelburne Police access these cameras?” he asked.

From there, a discussion ensued as to whether or not the Shelburne Police did have access to these cameras or not. It was left undetermined and Town Staff were directed to report on it at a following Council meeting.

So, it was up to the issue of red light cameras to step into the fore.

“I have had many complaints from citizens with regard to the number or cars not stopping while they are crossing, and in speaking to Shelburne Chief of Police, Kent Moore, said he would be in favour of red light cameras being installed,” said Councillor Chambers.

CAO Telfer added: “I’m not sure if lights would be able to go onto all light standards as they are not all controlled by the town, MTO (Ministry of Transportation) will also have to be contacted for this matter.”

Mayor Ken Bennington said he felt the issue is worth further investigation, at which point a motion to do just that was made, directing Town staff to investigate the installation of cameras and report back to Council.

Calls to CAO John Telfer from the Shelburne Free Press went unanswered by press time in trying to confirm exactly what steps have been taken to date to rectify the safety issues at the new crosswalk.