Council decided against a program that would have implemented red light cameras at ten different intersections in the city.

Prior to the 8-3 vote against the cameras Monday night, administration put forward a public engagement survey: 473 residents participated with 64.2 per cent saying they are concerned about red light running in the city. Only 35 per cent of respondents said they were in favour of the red light cameras.

At-Large Councillor Mark Bentz stressed there are more important improvements for the city roads right now.

“Let’s get our traffic system functioning properly so we don’t have to stop at every single red light we encounter in this community.” Bentz said. “It never ceases to amaze me when I try and cross the city how many times I have to stop.”

Mayor Bill Mauro had similar thoughts, with a focus on another advancement to Thunder Bay roads.

“Instead of red light cameras, the synchronization of the light system which I think would incent far better behaviour or certainly would result in far better behaviour,” Mauro stated. “It is about a $4 million capital expenditure and administration would consider doing that over a four year period. That would be my focus.”

Councillor Kristen Oliver was one of those to vote for implementing the program., stating it is a matter of safety and deterrence.

“People blow red lights, I think it’s almost an anomaly not to see it at an intersection,” mentioned Oliver. “It’s important to recognize laws are not a buffet, you don’t pick and choice which ones you want to abide by and which ones you want to follow.”

Administration has also been tracking tickets given out for red light violations.

While the number of tickets administered is dropping (159 in 2016, 100 in 2019), the percentage of tickets that actually get paid is declining as well (95% per cent in 2016, 80 per cent in 2019).