March 15, 2011

In a display of complete denial of the real facts surrounding the safety impact of Longer Amber Times at intersections, Councilors Vandel, Gerbassi, Nordman and Sharma all showed solidarity towards the safety of the Photo Enforcement Program and their “Paid” expert and decided unanimously to recommend the Escobar report be accepted and the 4.0 second standard amber time be kept.

The word of the day would become “Adequate”,

–adjective

That’s right, Councilors found the 4.0 was adequate therefore setting the bar for motorist safety in Winnipeg at the absolute minimum and effectively condoning and supporting the increase of collisions at the majority of Photo Enforced Intersections as well as all of the other so called dangerous intersections in the city.

After all, why go that extra little bit (1 second + a properly timed Amber for each intersection) and truly see an increase in safety like those realized by many jurisdictions in North America that have implemented the extra amber timing.

All of the councilors appeared uncomfortable and inconvenienced by the presence of Todd and Myself and our presentation of the results of the Georgia model and discussion of the Dilemma Zones at intersections. Dan Vandal in particular made every effort to interrupt us if we strayed ever so slightly from the topic of Ambers and onto why the ACS contract and the Red Light Violation Data has not been released to our group as a result of FIPPA requests.

He had to be reminded that the purpose of the City’s report was to study Georgia’s Bill 77 and it’s results. Our question was that if Mr Escobar did not even make an effort to contact Sen. Loudermilk or the Georgia Department of Transportation, then the City has shown a complete disregard for the facts and for the safety of motorists on the road. They were also reminded of the increase of collisions, especially rear end ones at the camera intersections.

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