Giving up on speed cameras

With only four traffic cops in Bermuda, speed cameras are essential to get drivers to slow down. Unfortunately, the Government no longer seems to have any intention of introducing them.

In March last year, Minister of Public Safety Randy Horton announced that $100,000 had been set aside for cameras. While he gave no date for implementation, the Minister nevertheless pledged to press ahead with the project:

“The Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety acknowledges this item has remained on the books for several years now and efforts will continue to bring this project to fruition.

This project remains somewhat complex owing to the cross-Ministry nature of the processes involved. These processes include ticketing, production of citations, production of photographic evidence, data processing and court administration.

Consultation on this project continues and this continues to be a work in progress.”

Now, however, he appears to have given up. Friday’s Budget revealed that that $100,000 was revised down to just $7,000 for the 2005/6 financial year. The budgeted amount for 2006/7 is zero.

I'm glad to see the Government making road safety such a high priority.

Comments

[Lost in Flatts on 13.03.06 at 12:28]

My most recent run in with some bike cops was pretty indicative of their priorities: up at White Horse for a rather pleasant evening, parked in the square over by the benches next to town hall. Came out around 2 (I was DD-ing it, don't worry) to find a ticket on my car. Had a quick look around, couldn't see any signs, and there were no markings, and the whole car park was rammed full. Walked over to consult the officers on duty, however had to wait a few minutes, as they were busy revving their 2 bikes front tires against each other so the back wheels popped up. Real nice bit of entertainment for the tourists I guess. Anyway, eventually one got off and came over. He claimed that he had no idea who wrote the ticket, but I could clearly pay it, so just go home. Then had a good laugh, got back on and starting playing with his bike again. Nice.

Rather than, I dunno, actually doing their jobs, picking up drunk/speeding drivers, these guys were just sittin off, enjoying the nightlife, and probably wrote a few tickets to help with the budget.

[SmokingGun on 13.03.06 at 12:33]

And decibel decimators destined to deafen drivers drums.....