Parent groups and health experts express support in letters to Mayor and Council
VANCOUVER (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories) - In a groundswell of support for safer streets for all, health, safety and parent groups have written in Councillor Christine Boyle’s road safety motion, Creating Safer Streets for People of All Ages with Intersection Safety Cameras.
The motion is a cost-effective, evidence-based way to improve road safety for all users - but particularly vulnerable road users.
According to road safety advocacy group Vision Zero Vancouver, if implemented, the proposed cameras could prevent an ER visit every day, a serious and life-altering injury every month, and a fatality every year.
The motion will be considered at the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities today - November 1.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT COUNCILLOR BOYLE’S MOTION
The following are excerpts from letters sent in support of Councillor Boyle's motion to Mayor and Council:
“This measure is an opportunity to reduce speeding and red light violations at high-risk intersections in our community, prevent road crashes and create safer streets for people of all ages and abilities.”
Dr. Michael Schwandt, MD, MPH, FRCPC, Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health
“We receive multiple complaints each year about unsafe driving in our area. Intersections, distracted driving, speeding and people driving in the bus and bike lanes during rush hour on East Hastings are flagged as being top priorities. Installing more cameras near “high crash” intersections would help reduce crashes and make our roads safer for all users, especially seniors and those who are more vulnerable.”
Clair MacGougan, Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre
“MADD Canada supports the installation of speed and red-light cameras at high-risk intersections across the City and believe this will reduce crashes and save lives.”
Steve Sullivan, CEO, MADD Canada
“Our children deserve to be able to travel safely to school, but when over half of all serious injuries and fatalities from car crashes in Vancouver are borne by people walking or cycling, it’s hard to give our children the freedom of movement they need. … We strongly encourage you to support this motion to protect families at Laura Secord Elementary and throughout the City.”
Naomi Adams, on behalf of the Laura Secord PAC Executive
“As trauma surgeons at the largest Level 1 trauma centre in British Columbia, we witness the devastating consequences of motor vehicle collisions on a daily basis, with over a third of these cases occurring in the City of Vancouver. We consider this motion to be an important, life-saving opportunity to prevent road trauma in our community and create safer streets for all road users.”
Vancouver General Hospital Trauma Services
“We firmly believe that the expansion of intersection safety cameras in the City of Vancouver will have a positive impact on our members and the community at large. Safety on our roads is paramount.”
Troy Clifford, President, and Corey Froese, Provincial Safety Director, Ambulance Paramedics of BC
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OneCity Vancouver Communications Committee
[email protected]