Barrie Expands Traffic Speed Camera Enforcement Following Successful Revenue and Safety Gains

The City of Barrie is broadening its traffic speed camera enforcement system. The decision was made on Wednesday by the city council at city hall.

On December 1, 2023, Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras were activated and generated nearly half a million dollars in the first three months. During a recent city council meeting, Mayor Alex Nuttall emphasized that these cameras not only produced significant revenue but also helped reduce speeding.

These cameras are cost-efficient for Barrie; processing a camera ticket costs only $17, compared to $55 through the traditional court system. The additional revenue from this program will fund two screening officers and junior prosecutors initially. Further staffing will be determined based on the volume of violations, with one officer added for every 40,000 infractions.

The total budget for the ASE initiative will not exceed $50,000, sourced from additional program revenue. The ASE cameras, initially installed near schools like Willow Landing, St. Michael the Archangel, Portage View, and Nouvelle-Alliance, will rotate through 27 community safety zones around the city.

The council approved implementing an Administrative Penalty System (APS) for ASE violations and municipal by-law breaches. Key points include:

1. Administrative Penalty System: The Council approved the use of APS for ASE and other municipal by-law matters, meeting the requirements of the Municipal Act and the Highway Traffic Act.

2. Execution Authorization: The Chief Administrative Officer and City Clerk were authorized to execute documents necessary for APS implementation.

3. Staffing: The City Clerk will hire two Screening Officers and Junior Prosecutors initially. Additional hires will depend on the violation volume.

4. Request for Proposal (RFP): An RFP will be issued to hire Hearing Officer Services, with a budget capped at $50,000.

6. Annual Reporting: An annual memorandum from the Legislative and Court Services Department will inform the council about violations processed and resources used.

The council emphasized the importance of flexibility in hiring staff based on evolving data while maintaining transparency and accountability in the enforcement process. Amendments were made to ensure effective reporting and adaptation to changing needs.