School board passes motion in support of tougher penalties

Orléans-Cumberland trustee Stephen Blais’ crusade to put a stop to speeders by doubling fines in school zones is one step closer to reaching its goal.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board is now putting the ball in the city’s court to implement the change, after a motion in support of increasing fines was passed without much debate during a Tuesday, April 14 meeting.

Blais called the passing of the motion “positive progress” for the safety of the children in the community, but said it’s now the city’s responsibility to take it a step further and accommodate what the board voted for.

The Highway Traffic Act stipulates that municipal councils are given the power to “designate a part of a highway under its jurisdiction as a community safety zones if, in the council’s opinion, public safety is of special concern on that part of the highway.”

Under law, all applicable fines for traffic violations in community safety zones are doubled.

“I hope this gets the message across that this is simply not acceptable behaviour on the road,” said Blais.

Orléans Coun. Bob Monette, a supporter of Blais’ motion, said he wasn’t surprised by the board’s favourable decision with something as critical as children’s safety involved, adding that schools will react strongly.

It’s too early to know how council will act regarding the motion, but “the council is usually very supportive of this sort of thing,” he continued. There are, however, logistics – including cost of operation and management – to sort out before he can bring it forward to council.

Blais’ motion comes on the heels of numerous concerns from east-end parents about their children’s safety while crossing the street on their way to school.

Last week, Blais wrote to the Ministry of Transportation asking them to change the Highway Traffic Act so drivers caught speeding in the community safety zones will face licence suspension.

“Paying a $100 fine is inconvenient but if it was me, especially in Orléans, losing my licence would have a much greater impact,” he explained.

Blais will also meet with Monette, who indicated he will pass the motion on to the city’s community and protective services committee on Tuesday, April 21.

“(Blais) and I are on the same page on this issue and we’re going to work hard to advance it at the municipal and provincial level,” said Monette.