I can just imagine the anticipation, excitement and even arousal by Municipal Enforcement personnel at the thought of a ‘review’ regarding automated enforcement in St. Albert, which would open doors to even more aggressive enforcement than we currently endure. Transportation manager Dean Schick eloquently tells us that the city review is merely ensuring playground zones are ‘properly categorized’ and utilizing ‘appropriate set-up’. He is quoted as saying there are no ‘pre-set expectations’ but stakeholders have concerns about before-school and after-school hours (means anytime). But not to worry as the data obtained is simply to provide a holistic snapshot.
It appears obvious that there are pre-set expectations but a symbolic review is required to justify the planned changes. Jealousy over the Edmonton model where enforcement in playground zones can be conducted until 9 p.m. is the suspected impetus for this review. I suspect violations in 50 km and 60 km zones are down due to citizen compliance so the gravy is in 30 km zones. Get ready for more of these 30 km zones and watch them stretch into the late evening hours to satisfy the lust for increased violations in the name of public safety.
Gerry Vercammen, St. Albert
