Safer roads Beyond cameras: A Smarter Approach for Strathcona County

Due to new regulations from the Provincial Government, Strathcona County officially ended its intersection safety camera program. While some view this as good news, others worry it could increase dangerous driving behaviours. No matter where you stand, one thing is certain: we all want safer roads.

The question now is, what comes next? As a Community Peace Officer with over 16 years of experience, I have seen firsthand that road safety goes beyond enforcement alone. While enforcement is essential, real change comes from a balanced approach that includes education, infrastructure improvements, targeted enforcement, and community involvement.

Intersection safety cameras were introduced to prevent crashes and save lives. However, concerns were raised about whether they were more about revenue than safety. Now that they’re gone, it is critical to focus on alternative, impactful measures that prioritize safety without compromising fairness and public trust. 

With cameras removed, maintaining and improving road safety requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach:

• Strategic Traffic Enforcement: Prioritizing high-risk areas and repeat offenders.

• Smarter Road Design: Enhancing visibility and slowing traffic through roundabouts, better signage, and pedestrian-friendly crossings.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Promoting safe driving habits via social media, local events, and schools.

• Community Engagement: Encouraging residents to help identify problem areas and propose solutions.

  
  

This change also impacts the budget, as Strathcona County can lose a substantial amount of revenue that previously funded several safety initiatives. To ensure these critical programs continue, the county must work closely with the province to secure alternative funding for safety initiatives that are essential to maintaining our progress in keeping our roads safe.

Now is the time for Strathcona County Council and the Provincial Government to come together to ensure road safety remains a top priority by securing sustainable funding and implementing effective measures- without relying on increases to property taxes.

To highlight these concerns and push for action, I have written a letter to the editor addressing the need for a balanced approach to road safety. We need solutions that prioritize public interest, fairness, and real safety improvements for everyone in our community.

I'd love to hear your thoughts-what do you think should come next for road safety in Strathcona County. Let's start the conversation.