In last week’s edition of the St. Paul Journal, the front-page story discussed the town’s decision to move forward with installing photo radar within town limits. Opinions on photo-radar often vary and can be rather extreme, as with opinions on other driving-related issues.
So, the St. Paul Journal asked its readers where their stance was on the issue, via social media and the Journal’s online poll. As of 11 p.m. Sunday night, 61 per cent of those who participated in the online poll felt photo radar was a good decision, while 32 per cent didn’t support the town’s choice. Six per cent of voters were undecided.
Although the poll only represents a small portion of the population, it does somewhat validate, or at least offer the town a point of argument, that people believe photo radar can help increase safety in town.
There is often the argument that photo radar is simply a money-grab. The argument doesn’t really have that much backing to it. The town has already stated that money collected from tickets will be put back into infrastructure aimed at further increasing traffic safety. It’s also rather easy for these drivers to avoid the so-called money-grab – just slow down.
There is no doubt that many drivers in St. Paul and the surrounding area need to take a look at their habits – regardless of the presence of photo radar. Sadly, even in the summer months, when drivers aren’t dodging patches of ice and snowstorms, there are serious vehicle collisions.
Some readers who commented via the Journal’s Facebook page pointed out that it isn’t only speeders who need to be kept in check, but also motorists who driver well below the posted speed limits. Overall, all drivers need to be wary. Everyone has a responsibility to follow the rules, drive defensively, and be alert at all times.
