Calgary city officials have announced a series of enhanced measures aimed at curbing reckless driving and improving road safety. This decision comes in response to growing concerns from residents, law enforcement, and traffic safety advocates regarding an increase in dangerous driving behaviors on city streets.
At a press conference, Mayor Jyoti Gondek, alongside representatives from Calgary Police Service (CPS) and city transportation officials, outlined a multi-faceted plan to address the issue. The initiative includes stricter enforcement, improved traffic infrastructure, and enhanced public awareness campaigns.
Stricter Enforcement and Higher Penalties
One of the key elements of the new strategy is ramping up enforcement efforts. CPS has pledged to increase patrols in high-risk areas and deploy additional officers specifically targeting speeding, impaired driving, and street racing.
“We are seeing far too many cases of reckless driving, and it’s putting innocent lives at risk,” said Chief Mark Neufeld of the Calgary Police Service. “We will be stepping up enforcement, utilizing automated speed enforcement tools, and issuing stricter penalties to offenders.”
The city is also considering increasing fines for repeat offenders and implementing more severe consequences, including license suspensions and vehicle impoundments for egregious violations.
Traffic Infrastructure Improvements
To complement law enforcement efforts, the city will accelerate planned upgrades to traffic infrastructure. This includes:
Expanding the use of red-light and speed cameras in high-risk zones
Installing more traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and narrowing lanes Improving pedestrian crossings with better signage and lighting
Introducing new digital speed display signs in school and residential areas
“These changes are about making our roads safer for everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike,” said the city’s Director of Transportation, Tony Churchill. “We are committed to designing streets that discourage reckless driving and encourage safer behavior.”
Community Engagement and Public Awareness
City officials emphasized that enforcement and infrastructure alone won’t solve the problem. A significant part of the initiative involves community engagement and education.
New public awareness campaigns will be launched to highlight the dangers of reckless driving and encourage responsible behavior. The city also plans to work with community associations, schools, and local businesses to promote safe driving initiatives.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” said Mayor Gondek. “We need the support of the entire community to change driving habits and ensure that our roads are safe for everyone.”
Next Steps
The new measures will be rolled out in phases over the coming months, with regular updates to be provided on their effectiveness. City officials are also seeking public input and will hold town halls to discuss further improvements.
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