Speed reader devices like that Nils Jensen plays worker boy in front of (Speed reader flashes drivers, News, July 9) are a false notion.
On Admirals Speedway in Saanich they only slowed traffic when placed close to a school zone sign – when across the street they had little effect. (Ones in Esquimalt might have somewhat more effect as they are in the median.) And their recording capability is not a good measure of effectiveness. Saanich government has not learned from those factors, can we hope Oak Bay will?
Recording speed is a fool’s game because congestion that greatly slows average speed is not recorded, vehicles slow near traffic lights and for other reasons and it is not the exceeding statistics that matter but the really fast drivers, no matter how few. (Some blow though playground zones at three times the limit.)
Police feet on the street can see so much more, including the driver who isn’t capable for whatever reason including intoxication, the novice driver who needs coaching early in her experience, the unsafe truck, and wanted persons. The worst offenders know they are taking advantage of other people for their own convenience and psychological jollies, only police in their face repeatedly will stop them. (Note the experience on the Malahat Mountain Highway a few years ago – a dramatic reduction in accidents when more police were on the road.)
The root problem is that politicians like Jensen are too cheap to properly fund policing. They spend on glitz, handouts to moochers, micro-managing people trying to build and earn, and pet do-gooder projects.
Speed recording is one of several cheapskate programs by politicians who haven’t the guts to police properly.
I urge Oak Bay voters to foster and elect officials who will do something meaningful for human life by properly performing the purpose of government – protecting individuals.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich