I have to take issue with the City of Red Deer’s decision to expand on its policing efforts, or in a truer sense, layer on another level of taxation through photo radar.
Recently I had my first experience witnessing a City of Red Deer service half-ton with some oversized electrical panel strapped in the back and the front seat geared with photo radar.
This was not a publicly disclosed location on Oct. 4, where on 67th Street heading west and east of the bridge the aforementioned city vehicle was readily taking photo radars of passing motorists.
I know the pundits will state that fines and ticketing change driving behaviour, but I have my doubts as statistics can be looked at in any number of ways.
In the end, I don’t see drivers as a whole going slower than in previous years.
The point is, however, that I am certainly not happy to see the City of Red Deer delve into an area it does not belong.
If they wish to create a city police force, then do so; otherwise, create the bylaws and allow the RCMP to enforce them.
In addition, I care even less to see the city utilizing our publicly paid for service trucks as photo radar vehicles.
This was not an RCMP vehicle, peace officer, or even an unmarked cruiser.
It is a City of Red Deer vehicle and gives me the feeling of the city is going one step lower in deception in order to raise revenue.
Leave the safety of our citizens to those trained to do so, namely the RCMP.
Save the city staff and equipment for servicing the taxpayers.
If those at City Hall do not make an issue of this, then I certainly hope that all of us as taxpayers do and cast our votes and voice our displeasure accordingly.
Ryan Morcom
Red Deer