September 12, 2011
Third phase of B.C.’s Intersection Safety Camera program goes live in Maple Ridge

MAPLE RIDGE - Today, the provincial government, police and ICBC announced that the third phase of B.C.’s upgraded Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) program has gone live across the province. A total of three ISC will be live in Maple Ridge by the end of the year. Two ISCs went live today at the following intersections:

• Lougheed Hwy at 203 St.
• Lougheed Hwy at 207 St.

Why this Matters:

• Over 40% of police-attended accidents occur at intersections.
• Crashes at intersections are often more serious because they involve high speed and right angle or t-bone crashes.
• Improving intersection safety prevents crashes, injuries and fatalities, ensuring families get home safe and sound.

Quotes:

“These two intersections along Lougheed Highway are high volume corridors. The new cameras will not only make driving these roads safer, they’ll help hold dangerous drivers accountable.”
Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton

“We’ve seen too often the carnage of intersection crashes. High risk driving has no place on our roads and we’ll do everything we can to go after those drivers who have a complete disregard for others. These cameras are going to help make our roads safer by targeting those who choose to deliberately put other lives at risk.”
RCMP Lower Mainland Traffic Services Superintendent Norm Gaumont

“We know these cameras will help reduce intersection related crashes, but it’s important that we continue to think about the role we can play to help make our roads safer. Many people think tailgating or failing to yield the right-of-way is harmless, but the reality is you are increasing your chances of being in a crash – putting others at risk, including yourself and passengers. Whether you’re a driver, motorcycle rider, cyclist or pedestrian, slow down and use extra caution at intersections."
ICBC director of road safety Fiona Temple

Additional information:

• The upgraded program will see digital cameras placed at 140 of B.C.’s highest-risk intersections.
• The goal of the ISC program is to prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities, not to generate ticket- revenues.
• Sites were selected based on where cameras will be the most effective in reducing serious crashes, severe injuries and fatalities.
• Signs are prominently posted at the intersections to advise drivers that ISC cameras are in place.
• All traffic fine revenue will continue to be distributed among B.C. municipalities to help them enhance their policing and community-based public programs, regardless of the number of cameras within their community or how many tickets they issue.
• With the third set of cameras going live, the majority (105 out of 140) of the cameras under the upgraded ISC program are now operational. By the end of the year, all 140 ISCs will be live.
• Visit www.icbc.com for more information about the Intersection Safety Camera program and to see a map of the 140 locations.

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