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Timmins’ new mobile speed warning device allows drivers to regulate own speed

Timmins Police Services and City of Timmins Engineering Department are thrilled to have a mobile speed radar device donated by Accident Support Services International and City of Timmins. The mobile radar device can be placed at intersections or

Timmins Police Services and City of Timmins Engineering Department are thrilled to have a mobile speed radar device donated by Accident Support Services International and City of Timmins.

“Public safety and road safety doesn’t just happen because of police enforcement,” said Chief Gauthier. “It takes community partnerships - I want to thank Steve Sanderson Accident Support Services International (ASSI) and Luc Duval from City of Timmins Engineering for their support in obtaining this important piece of equipment.”

The mobile radar device can be placed at intersections or stretches of roadways where complaints have amassed over speeding.

The radar measures the speed of the vehicle and flashes it so it can be seen by the motorist along side the actually posted speed.

The flashing speed travelled by the motorist gives the approaching driver an opportunity to reduce their velocity and stay in compliance with posted limit.

From a policing point of view road safety is increased if drivers heed the warning.

If the speed limit exceedances continue or increase police can take other measures to enforce the speed limit and save lives such as setting up police monitoring of the area and issue tickets to those who exceed the limit.

An important feature of the device is that it measures and records vehicle speeds over time and can establish trends which can also help City of Timmins Engineering also develop strategies for road redesign or altering the speed limit to reduce speeding.

 “This radar equipment will greatly enhance our ability to determine where we need to adjust speed limits," Duval said.

“We have already adjusted the speed near the Porcupine Mall from 70 to 60 km/h and near Ski-Runners Club from 80 km down to 70 km,” Duval explained.

“However, the culture of driving at 50 km per hour on residential streets is very important,” said Duval, “In some school areas we have lowered the speed limit to 40 km. but we have had complaints that some drivers may inching up to 60 and 65 km.”

“Even our rural roads which are posted as 50 we have drivers going up 70 and 80 km,” Duval continued. “We look forward to use the equipment and deploying it as at tool to support our traffic studies.,” Duval added.

 “I think this equipment will help calm drivers by reminding them that they have exceeded the speed limit,” said TPS member John Curley, a former councillor. “I think it is human nature we have all done it at sometime we glance at the speedometer and oops we are above the limit.”

“This equipment will help remind drivers too slow down,” he added.

Timmins has had a 10 year working relation with ASSI as it operates Timmins’ motor vehicle collision reporting centre. The company works with police departments and the insurance industry to investigate motor vehicle accidents.

“Partnerships are a mantra of our organization,” said Deputy Chief Des Walsh. “And this is just another example of how Timmins Police works with its partners to make our community safe.”

ASSI started in 1994 with one centre and today has 54 across Canada more than half of which are in Alberta and Ontario. This ASSI will open its first in the United States in Virginia.

“It truly is a very good partnership,” said Steve Sanderson founder and President of ASSI. “Thank you for allowing us to partner with you.”

Marc Depatie, TPS Communications Coordinator pointed out that speeding is closely related to the number of traffic fatalities and the deployment of the speed radar device will help to calm traffic and reduce fatalities.

“This is not an enforcement device as much as it is a safety device,” said Depatie. “In Timmins we have schools, senior residences, shopping areas and there are going to be plenty of pedestrians in these areas.”

“The speed radar will allow drivers to realize – oh my god I am above the speed limit and slow down,” he added.

According to Sgt. Tom Chypyha the head of the Traffic Unit, the speed radar equipment will allow his men to determine if additional enforcement steps are required.

“We receive complaints about a certain stretch of road where speeding takes place and we set the equipment up to measure the frequency of speeding,” explained Sgt. Chypyha. “We may find that in some cases the speeding frequency is not that bad and we can focus or our attention where it is a problem.”

“Either way, this equipment will help make our streets safer,” added Sgt. Chypyha.


Frank Giorno

About the Author: Frank Giorno

Frank Giorno worked as a city hall reporter for the Brandon Sun; freelanced for the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star. He is the past editor of www.mininglifeonline.com and the newsletter of the Association of Italian Canadian Writers.
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