Speed Cameras​​

Hello everyone, 

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I really wanted to make sure that I provided my position on speed cameras so that everyone is aware. I know that they have been a hot button issue lately and many are divided. This issue will also be coming back to Council soon through an enquiry motion.

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When it was first brought forward to Council by other Council members and City Staff, my position was that I would be hesitantly supportive of this program. I believe that if implemented correctly and reasonably, the safety of Orillia’s streets would be improved. In previous meetings of Council, I have stressed that the focus of this program needs to be on calming speeds and not on penalizing.

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I am fully supportive of significant fines for those going 40km/h+ in school zones.  However, I do sympathize with those who have received many tickets all at once totaling hundreds of dollars, having never gone more than 21 km/h over the speed limit in these zones. 

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I believe changes could be made to make this program more responsive. I have heard from many residents and a variety of suggestions have been identified. I will be bringing an enquiry motion to Council that will hopefully address these issues while ensuring that we keep streets safe for children and families. Some of the following adjustments in the enquiry include:

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-Having digital speed signs considered close to camera zones. This could help to further calm speeds in these areas while also ensuring drivers are more aware of the speed they are going when approaching the zone.​

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-Creating a ticket delay between the first ticket received under 21km/h and the second. This would help to avoid furture scenarios where a potential delay in the mail leads to residents getting many tickets for having gone less than 20km/h over without an opportunity to change their driving habits.​​

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-(According to City Staff, provincial legislation prevents the following adjustments: reducing the upfront ticket costs, positive tickets, and making adjustments to the notification sigage within ticket zones). 

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If you have any comments or questions, I would really welcome them! You can share your thoughts with me at jfallis@orillia.ca or by phone at 1-705-279-3249.

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Councillor Jay Fallis

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***If you are dealing with a ticket, tickets can be fought online through disputeorpay.ca​  OR going to city hall and filling out the necessary form.

Further information can be found at the city website: HERE

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