Today at 4.20 PM, we'll have an account of the outrage of residents of South St. Vital at Justice Minister Dave Chomiak and the NDP government - and the city - for the variety of ways they say, the rapid sprawl of the area has made them easy pickings for photo radar and red light cameras.
Plus, a photo radar insider has provided us an email with even more clues about the faults in the way tickets are issued. Some of the information jibes with the calls and emails the show heard last week, so it appears that indeed, the people cannot be fooled all of the time.
EDIT: here is the email from the insider:
Tickets are issued to red light runners with the emergency vehicle clearing seen in the background.
It is Legal to enter on the red light in order to yield right of way. How many people blindly just pay the "fine".
Weather and vehicle type (like motorcycles) can cause the plate to be non-identifiable so a lot of infractions are missed.
If the public truly wishes to stop the use of this cash grab then do the following: go to court on any ticket.
Why?
1) The prints must be produced for the court which cost money. (not the laser printer print out they sent you at $.10 a copy) You get a copy to judge for yourself.
2) If you are guilty ask for reduction of the fine which costs the court time and reduced the revenue to the city. Imagine what would have happened if 10% of the construction zone tickets were challenged in court (6000 cases). The crown would still be dealing with them. How long would the government allow the court time to be wasted if this tactic was used?
Some points for you to consider:
1) Amber light times are inconsistent in Winnipeg (one of the pending law suits will prove it) and in cities that have standardized amber times longer (to 5 seconds or more) see their red light camera infractions go down exponentially.
2) Public safety?! CRAP The speeder (or red runner) continues at that speed down the road as no one STOPS THEM (like a patrolling police offer would) Do we have to wait until a speeder kills someone after the camera takes their picture? How can any city police officer make such an argument with a straight face? Put members on the street!
3) The camera vans must idle to function due to power requirements. Remember the school zone idle free campaign as the van sits in the zone? Good for the environment? NOT!
4) BC's photo enforcement campaign eventually imploded with everyone paid back (and helped cost a government an election) A lot of the issues coming up here in Manitoba are very similar.Please keep the pressure on this issue. XXXX
* end email*
Also, this weekend the Black Rod revealed that the Crown Attorney's excuse for dropping their appeal of 9 overturned tickets (incorrect signage) doesn't wash with the facts enunciated by the judge in his decision - unless, of course, the court was lied to in the first place. We'll tie together all the information about radargate for a full update.
In addition, we'll also look at a story buried deep on the CBC website, with a most misleading headline, about internal polling done by the WRHA. It's a mini-lesson in journalism, with the comments of the CBC readers at the forefront of picking the bones of this thinly veiled attempt to cheerlead for the health honchos.
Local media outlets are divided on how they should cover yesterday's public suicide at a University of Winnipeg property, and after 5 PM we'll juxtapose that situation, with last weeks' exploitation of a teen girl's tragic passing by Gordon Sinclair and Lindor Reynolds of the Winnipeg Free Press.
And of course at 5.15 PM, Frank the Italian Barber will update us on his view of the Stanley Cup finals and explain the odds facing the now-underdog Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks, all down 3 games to 2.
We open up the show today at 4.PM with a special interview with Sean Crawford of MacDonald Youth Services , previewing their Gala Dinner this week:
On Thursday, May 14, 2009, MYS will proudly present its second annual “Gala Dinner Under the Big Top” at Delta Winnipeg’s Grand Ballroom, in support of the Youth Emergency Shelter and other MYS programs.
This year’s Gala Dinner will continue with the vintage carnival theme including dazzling entertainment, fun games, exciting prizes, and a delicious meal! Last year’s Gala Dinner proved to be a success, with $17,000.00 raised for the youth emergency shelter and Positive Alternatives for Youth’s new program "Vehicle for Change".
This year will be just as exciting and more entertaining; with carnival games, an attractive new venue, and a new signature beverage “The Ferris Wheel”.
In addition to the fun and games, special guest Bill Knight, of Bill Knight Flooring & Carpets Ltd., will be honoured with the 2009 Sir Hugh John Macdonald Memorial Award. This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the values and virtues of Sir Hugh John Macdonald, and practices assistance for youth to help them develop life skills for a better tomorrow.
Not only does Mr. Knight support causes, he gives his time and expertise to assist many fundraising events throughout the year. His involvement with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Manitoba, Special Olympics, Children’s Wish Fund, Children’s Hospital and Camp Manitou highlight his commitment to improving the quality of youths’ lives in Manitoba.
Cocktails start at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will follow at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person or $1200 per table of eight.
For more information contact, Leila Dance, External Relations Specialist at 949-6527.
