I read with interest the article about the new photo radar changes that have been implemented in St. Albert. I have watched with frustration the many drivers who don’t follow the speed limit – especially in school zones – when photo radar isn’t set up. There seems to be a psychology among some drivers that if they can’t be caught they don’t have to follow the rules of the road. Having new measures that are not as obvious may seem to many as sneaky and unfair, but I hold to the advice I was given when our family moved to this city – in St. Albert, you don’t speed ... ever. If you don't speed, don't worry about the new measures. If you do speed and get caught, take your lumps.
We are a military family and have lived and driven in many Canadian cities. In my experience, this city and province has the most impatient drivers around. There must be some very important people here who take priority on the roads. What other reason can there be if a driver can’t wait the 30 seconds it takes a pedestrian to cross an intersection but decides to cut in front of that person instead. And those drivers who weave in and out of traffic at the speed of light to get to the light 10 seconds ahead of me must have a life or death situation to attend. Let’s not mention the necessity of checking and answering those important texts that can’t wait until home.
I am not opposed to the new radar measures. I think, however, if road safety was a priority, the city should give us more of a police presence to catch these unsafe drivers. Until that happens, let’s hope that one day there will be a device that might catch these drivers who continually break the rules when there is no obvious deterrent to stop them. Until then, the city might make good revenue from speeders, but our roads will continue to be unsafe.
Michelle Receveur, St. Albert
60 Kingsmoor Close, T8N 0S4.
780 569 2443.
