“No Pattullo Cams” - Les Insists Despite Mounting Fatalities

For Immediate Release
May 3, 2007

VICTORIA – Solicitor General John Les has made it crystal clear in estimates debate in the B.C. Legislature that he will not allow the use of speed cameras to make Pattullo Bridge safer, Surrey - Whalley NDP MLA Bruce Ralston said today.

Ralston said it is unfortunate that the Minister refused to budge in debate yesterday from his ideological stance regarding traffic cameras despite strong recommendations by senior police officers.

“Earlier this week, senior police officers from New Westminster and Surrey publicly talked about the merits of installing safety devices to help reduce fatalities on Pattullo,” said Ralston. “Instead of pausing for a moment to re-think his position in light of this advice, the Minister chose to flatly disagree with any suggestion to bring in speed cameras.”

“It shows a complete disregard for public interest and an attitude that puts politics above people,” said Ralston.

Minister Les’ colleague, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon, has spoken in favour of a safety device on the Pattullo Bridge, where 15 people have lost their lives in the last eight years. Additionally, the New Westminster and Surrey City Councils have strongly recommended the use of a safety device.

“Not only is the Minister unwilling to accept the advice of experienced police officers and the community, but he hasn’t demonstrated a willingness to explore alternative measures either. Basically, he has no plans or ideas whatsoever to make Pattullo safer,” said Ralston.

“For the B.C. Liberals to not realize the seriousness of this issue that impacts a large region just shows how out of touch the B.C. Liberals really are,” Ralston said.

Yesterday’s HANSARD debate can be read at: www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/D70502y.htm

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Media Contact: Neera Ritcey, 604-317-4450