There’s a simple solution to speeding tickets By: Editorial Posted: 7:00 PM CST Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

Opinion

Road signs are the epitome of the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words,” delivering maximal information in minimal space.

The science behind what may appear to be simple pictographs is actually quite complicated, taking into account our reactions to certain colours and shapes, and the way our brains process words. The result is largely standardized signs that allow our subconscious to decode their meaning swiftly, while we keep our eyes on the road. They’re eye-catching but not distracting.

Road signs deliver imperatives effectively, without ambiguity; their messages are not meant to inspire debate.

However, many Manitoba motorists are debating the validity of signs designating a stretch of south St. Mary’s Road a construction zone, along with others pointing out traffic fines will be doubled in the zone.

The drivers, some of whom have received $700 tickets, claim the drop from 80 to 60 km/h is unmerited because there appears to be no construction activity in the area, which is being policed by a photo-radar vehicle.

Photo radar on south St. Mary’s called ‘criminal’

It could be argued that either erroneously erecting or failing to remove signs at a construction zone is lazy or sloppy or even disingenuous on the part of the province.

It could also be argued that setting up photo-radar enforcement in such zones, rather than employing officers to personally hand out tickets, does not adequately address the question of worker or driver safety. Scofflaws with deep pockets can continue to flout the speed limit without accumulating any demerits on their licences or suffering any repercussions beyond the financial.

But arguing that a motorist’s failure to follow a clearly posted change to the speed limit constitutes falling prey to a “cash grab” by the province is a logical leap that holds no water, no matter how many times it’s trotted out by traffic activists.

We do not expect drivers to make value judgments about whether to obey the imperative of a stop sign or a red light. Nor should we ask a motorist travelling 80 km/h to assess the potential danger to workers in the area, or look around to gauge whether there is construction being done.

It is for this very reason that the Highway Traffic Act stipulates the lowered speed limit applies “whether or not workers are present in the designated construction zone or equipment is being used in it…”

The possible presence of photo enforcement is indicated the moment the signage identifying these zones is put up.

It’s true Winnipeg is not known for its clarity of signage. One need only look as far as the notorious Confusion Corner for examples of tangled information delivery. Our school-zone markers violate the “keep it simple” rule, containing both too much information and easily misconstrued wording; drivers should not have to check the time and the calendar when assessing their speed.

But the same cannot be said for the signs at construction zones, which signal caution and reduced speed in bold, fluorescent orange, with no room for interpretation.

But the same cannot be said for the signs at construction zones, which signal caution and reduced speed in bold, fluorescent orange, with no room for interpretation.

Piloting a 2,000-kilogram metal machine travelling at high speeds carries with it a responsibility to pay attention at all times, for our own safety and the safety of those around us.

Are photo-radar tickets the most effective, up-front way to police a construction zone? No. But there is an incredibly easy way to avoid incurring a fine, either on St. Mary’s or any other stretch of road, one that doesn’t involve appointing oneself the arbiter of arcane traffic law: follow the posted speed limit. It’s simple.