Mega-increases in traffic fines that took effect Jan. 1 might improve public safety, “but only if enforced,” says Walter Kolodziechuk, a retired long-time police officer and now Amaranth’s deputy mayor.

Mr. Kolodziechuk, who sponsored an Amaranth resolution calling for an inquiry into how the Provincial Offences Act courts are administered in light of decreasing revenues, was asked whether the new fines would improve safety or just mean greater revenue for municipalities, which receive about 45 per cent of the fines imposed.

“My personal view, and I have said this at council, is that revenue is not a first consideration. Public and highway safety are paramount,” he said.

“We can make a fine $1,000 for a minor offence but if we don’t enforce it it means nothing.” He was somewhat critical of plea bargaining: “If you can afford a paralegal or a lawyer you can get a better bargain.”

Officially, The OPP supports any legislation (e.g. Section 172; distracted driving, impaired driving) as effective tools to help take drivers off the road who participate in high-risk behaviours, according to a news release, in which Commissioner Julian Fantino is quoted as saying, “Higher fines for convictions will be another effective tool to help make Ontario roads safer...especially if it gets the attention of irresponsible and reckless drivers.”

These are the recent increases: seat belt violations to $240 from $110; to $240; child seat restraint violations to $240 from $110; to $240; red light violations to $325 from $110; to $325; careless driving convictions to $490 from $325, and failing to stop for an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire or police) to $490 from $110.

In addition to the increased fines for traffic violations in Ontario, drivers could be doubly charged in some situations, the OPP warns.

“During the winter months it is especially important for all motorists to ensure they clear all snow and ice from their windows in order for them to have clear views in all directions when operating their motor vehicle on a highway. This includes front and side windows and rear windshield.”

The OPP says drivers could be charged both with failing to stop and with not having a clear view to the rear.

(The Highway Traffic Act does have an exception to the clear rear window, “a motor vehicle that is equipped with a mirror or mirrors securely attached to the motor vehicle and placed in such a position and maintained in such a condition as to afford the driver, otherwise than through the rear window, a clearly-reflected view of the roadway in the rear or of any vehicle approaching from the rear.”)

Melancthon Councillor John Crowe, also a retired police officer, suggests an increase in demerit points might have had a better deterrent effect than hiking the fines.

“People always seem more concerned about losing points than about paying a fine,” he said in a phone interview Wednesday.