Tensions appeared high during a Richmond city council discussion this week on red-light and speed cameras with one councillor referring to his fellow councillor as “rude.”
City council was debating whether to send a letter to the province asking for red-light cameras at intersections to be upgraded to also catch speeders, something initiated by Coun. Alexa Loo.
When he was explaining he’d like to see a letter go to the province, but also a referral to staff to investigate further where these cameras could be placed, Coun. Bill McNulty appeared flustered when Loo interrupted him.
Finally, he turned to her and said “Can I talk? Come here and take my (chair). God, you’re rude.”
This was followed by a quick apology from McNulty to the mayor and the audience.
The motion from Loo, who ran with McNulty on the same political slate in last year’s municipal election under the banner “One Richmond,” was asking the province to bring more traffic cameras that would give tickets for speeding and running red lights. Part of the motion was to ask city staff to identify intersections that would benefit from these cameras.
Coun. Michael Wolfe said he opposed asking the province to install more cameras, saying they make people nervous. Furthermore, more cameras recording traffic is “tipping into a privacy issue,” he added.
Coun. Andy Hobbs, on the other hand, told city council there’s data to prove red-light and speed cameras are effective in reducing crashes, noting he used to be vice-chair of the B.C. Traffic Safety Committee.
“I can tell you without a doubt in my mind whatsoever… that these cameras absolutely reduce crashes, reduce injuries and sometimes reduce fatalities,” Hobbs said.
In the end, the motion passed to send a letter to the province asking for more red light and speed cameras with Couns. Wolfe and Laura Gillanders voting in opposition.
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