FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 23, 2019 3:40pm
(Ottawa) – Following a successful pilot project in Coquitlam in 2018 of a life-size, metal cut-out of a police officer, pointing a radar gun, Safer Roads Ottawa and Ottawa Police Service (OPS) have created their own ‘Constable Scarecrow.’
The cut-out is a deterrent measure used to slow motorists down on roadways where speeding is a chronic issue. No charges are laid against motorists.
“The Coquitlam two-month pilot collected speeding data that showed a significant decrease with the presence of the cut-out,” said Councillor Stephen Blais, Chair of the City’s Transportation Committee, “making this an affordable deterrent option.”
The cut-out is the image of Traffic officer Constable Luc Mongeon.
Safer Roads Ottawa Project Staff have proposed the signs be placed in two separate locations across the city, the first on Portobello Boulevard and the second on Bridge Street in Manotick. Both of these locations have community safety zones and schools.
Each sign costs approximately $165 and are tamper-resistant and waterproof.
Members of the media are invited to join Councillor Stephen Blais, Traffic Services Staff Sergeant Marc-Andre Sheehy and Constable Luc Mongeon and Safer Roads Ottawa for the unveiling of the first roadside sign on Friday, May 24, 2019.
TIME: 11:00am
LOCATION: Portobello Boulevard at Charest Way
A Speed Evaluation was conducted at this location. With 5009 vehicles going through in 24 hours, the average speed was 57 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone. The maximum speed captured was 99 km/h. Compliance with the posted speed limit was 16%.
“Speed limits are set for a reason. Even driving ten kilometres over the speed limit poses additional dangers to drivers and other road users, particularly pedestrians,” said Constable Mongeon. “We want drivers to make safety their priority when they are behind the wheel.”
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