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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Letter of the day: We're on U.S. radar
WINNIPEG - City police are weighing the legality of a large sign that was posted this afternoon by a Winnipeg group critical of photo radar and speed traps. WiseUpWinnipeg erected a large reflective sign on the side of Highway 75 south of Winnipeg, in response to what they describe as numerous complaints from angry motorists. The large sign warns drivers the speed limit is "60 km/h," and also complains, "Too slow & poorly posted" and "Unfair trap often ahead." January 9 2012. Submitted photo.
Re: Ex-Mountie latest to call photo radar mere cash grab (Feb. 1). The U.S. National Motorists Association has followed the use of red-light and speed cameras in Winnipeg for a long time. People who study these issues know that raising under-posted speed limits to the safety-optimum 85th percentile speed of free flowing traffic under good conditions will improve safety. Also, timing the yellow intervals to that 85th percentile speed will reduce violations and improve safety by more than ticket cameras.
Winnipeg is using improper engineering in both areas for the sole purpose of raising ticket revenue at the expense of reduced safety. Speed cameras with under-posted limits and red-light cameras with too-short yellows are money programs, not safety programs.
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Correct engineering with higher posted limits and longer yellow intervals would improve safety in both areas, but would kill the revenue from the camera programs. The refusal of city authorities to use correct engineering lets everyone know that revenue, not safety, is the real goal for Winnipeg.
James C. Walker
National Motorists Association
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 7, 2012 A11
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