Automated speed enforcement program to reach more regional school zones

The number of speed cameras in Waterloo region school zones will be on the rise over the next four years.

Regional councillors voted to carry the motion to expand its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program at the Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee meeting Wednesday evening.

The program rollout is set to add 36 cameras per year starting in November according to Doug Spooner, the acting commissioner of transportation services.

“The goal was to bring back shortly, the school zones on regional roads,” he said at the committee meeting. “Then to bring back the comprehensive list in six to nine months, following working with the area of municipality.”

It’s expected that the number of speed cameras in Waterloo region will increase to 175 in 2028.

In a report from Aug. 13, Community Safety Zones are at the forefront of attention, with an emphasis on eligibility assessment.

For a section of roadway to be considered a Community Safety Zone, it must feature one “primary community feature,” such as an elementary school, large park, community centre, or hospital. These zones can also include “secondary community features,” including daycare centres, seniors centres, small parks or playgrounds.

There is also other notable criteria that must be satisfied in order for an area to be deemed eligible for a Community Safety Zone. These include a posted speed limit of 60km/h or less, a poor driver speed compliance, a posted speed limit that is appropriate for the roadway characteristics, no plans for other traffic calming measures, and if the roadway segment is physically suitable for the deployment of a Municipal Speed Camera.