Council has recently introduced cameras to identify those who violate traffic laws; on one level this seems like a good idea in that speeders are caught, perhaps reducing accidents. But on another level the installation of cameras is another example of big government keeping track of its citizens. No one likes to be watched by hidden cameras. If Council is concerned that drivers are speeding then hire a number of ‘para policemen’ and give them radar guns. At least this way I will be caught by a human being. Yes this suggestion may be slightly more costly than cameras, but the money spent will be circulating in society and individuals will be given a job. Every camera installed is another step towards an Orwellian future.
When a policeman catches me speeding, he writes a ticket and I pay a fine of say $60, end of story. But when a camera records that I am speeding I receive a notification indicating that I have incurred a fine of $60 to which a surcharge of $30 is added, plus a $7 convenience charge. Really?
Why is a surcharge added? When a police officer writes a ticket, the cost of his time spent monitoring traffic is factored into the $60 fine I pay – but when a camera notices me speeding, a $30 surcharge is added to the fine. Why? To pay an outside company for installing and monitoring the camera? Have I got this right? And I have no idea why a $7 ‘convenience charge’ is added.
Note: I am guilty of no offence beyond speeding and should not have to pay additional fees. Both the surcharge and the convenience charge should be absorbed in the fine as is the time spent by a police officer who operates a radar gun.
This is a terrible, and perhaps illegal, money grab by Council.
Joffre McCleary, Barrie
