Drivers in Windsor are starting to see more red-light cameras at key city intersections.
Starting last week, enforcement began at ten intersections across the city, and the camera will be fully operational after the holidays. The rollout is part of the City's $2-million plan for traffic calming in 2022, a 60 per cent increase from 2021.
"Technology is an effective traffic management tool, and Council is proud to invest in intelligent systems that detect pedestrians and cyclists, help enforce traffic laws and maintain a safe flow of traffic to minimize hot spots," said Mayor Drew Dilkens. "We will continue to fund intelligent traffic systems and policies that make our communities more welcoming to travellers of all modes of transportation."
The intersections containing the new cameras are as follows.
- Wyandotte Street East at Goyeau Street
- University Avenue West at Crawford Avenue
- Erie Street East at Goyeau Street
- Howard Avenue at E.C. Row Expressway eastbound off-ramp
- Huron Church Road at Tecumseh Road West
- Eugenie Street East at McDougall Street
- McHugh Street at Clover Avenue
- Wyandotte Street at Ouellette Avenue
- Ouellette Avenue at Giles Boulevard
- Seminole Street at Central Avenue
In addition to the cameras, the City installed a state-of-the-art traffic sensor called Vantage Next, to pinpoint bicyclists, pedestrians, and others who use various modes of transport, including scooters and e-bikes. When one of these enters the sensor zone, it triggers a change in the traffic lights, so the person does not have to push a button. The first Vantage Next system is at Lauzon Road and Spitfires Way.
"Road safety is an issue that touches the lives of all Windsor residents," said Senior Transportation Planning Engineer Jeff Hagan. "Council’s investment in these programs will help to keep Windsorites safe while they walk, ride or drive, and will help to improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods."
The existing closed-circuit TV system in the City is getting a makeover, complete with 55 new 360-degree cameras.
The City will also hire an active transportation manager to monitor trends in active transportation. City Council has also made the job of transportation planning coordinator permanent and will hire for that role as well.
Each ward councillor will have $10,000 for implementing traffic calming initiatives in their wards. The City is also considering speed control for arterial and residential roads, such as Kildare, Pillette, Matchette, South National, Tecumseh Road West, Cabana Road and County Road 42.