Bring back photo radar, former police chief suggests, to help stop ICBC financial bleeding
Posted January 30, 2018 1:05 pm.
Last Updated January 30, 2018 1:07 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – With ICBC projected to lose more than $1 billion this year, one retired cop says we should bring back photo radar.
It’s a concept typically loathed by drivers, but former Delta Police Chief Jim Cessford argues it would generate revenue for the crown corporation, and save lives.
“We had it in Edmonton when I was with Edmonton Police. And we found that there was a dramatic decrease in the number of collisions, as a result of photo radar,” he tells NEWS 1130.
Cessford believes when people know they’re being watched, they drive more carefully.
“I know that there’s this whole notion that ‘It’s cash grab.’ Well, that’s true. Obviously, there are funds that are realized as a result of photo radar. That’s a side issue. The real issue is saving lives and we believe that photo radar did save lives.”
Yesterday, Attorney General David Eby announced several changes are in the works to cover off $1.3-billion worth of losses that he described as a “financial dumpster fire” set by the former BC Liberal government.
Eby says several options need to be considered to bring ICBC back into the black — likely meaning increases to basic rates and perhaps a cap on payouts for crash victims with minor injuries.
He’s also suggesting red light cameras will be set up across the province.
