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加拿大英文教练(原温哥华英文教练),致力于地道英文表达
最近,在加拿大安大略省Bill-56法案的通过,应该是最大的新闻了。根据该法案的要求,省内各市目前运行中的交通违法摄像头必须全部限期拆除,理由是,这些打着控制时速的摄像头,已经变成各市的生财之道,一些城市甚至每年因此增加数亿加币的财政收入。具体到个人,我一个朋友一周之内就收到过上千元的罚单,就是因为家附近的那个摄像头“努力工作”造成的。在多伦多几个著名的摄像头所在地,一些愤怒的居民用各种手段去捣毁这些摄像头,有些甚至刚刚修好,很快就被再次捣毁。破坏公物,当然是违法行为,但如果一项法令不是增加公众利益而是损害的话,起而抵制它,也是公民不服从的题中应有之义,很显然,Bill 56的通过,人民的呼声被听到了。省长福特说,这些摄像头已经成为cash grab的工具。要控制超速,不是只有靠罚款,在一些地方,尤其是学校、行人密集区,可以通过设置减速带(speed bump)、环形带(roundabout)等方式来减速,一样可以达到效果,为什么一定要罚款?而且罚得这么重?
了解这个背景之后,我们来看下面的英文报道:
The Ontario government intends to introduce legislation next month that will ban the use of municipal automated speed enforcement cameras across the province, ensuring they are no longer used as a form of revenue(生财之道). To improve road safety, the province will instead establish a new provincial fund to help affected municipalities implement alternative safety measures, including proactive traffic-calming initiatives like speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks and curb extensions, as well as public education and improved signage, to slow down drivers.
“At a time when governments at all levels should be doing everything they can to lower costs and make life more affordable, too many municipalities are using speed cameras as a cash grab(抢钱),” said Premier Doug Ford. “Enough is enough. Instead of making life more expensive by sending speeding tickets to drivers weeks after the fact, we’re supporting road-safety measures that will prevent speeding in the first place, keep costs down and keep our streets safe.”
Since 2019, over 700 municipal speed cameras have been installed in 40 municipalities across Ontario, with more currently planned for installation in the coming months.
“Municipal speed cameras have become nothing more than a tool for raising revenue,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is focused on measures that truly protect the safety of all Ontarians and we will continue working with municipalities to ensure Ontario maintains its position as one of the safest jurisdictions in North America.”
If passed, this legislation will prevent the use of municipal speed cameras in Ontario immediately upon Royal Assent. The province will also introduce requirements for municipalities with existing speed cameras in school zones to install large new signs to slow down drivers by mid-November 2025, with permanent, large signs with flashing lights to be in place by September 2026. Municipalities will also be encouraged to implement alternative traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, speed cushions, raised crosswalks, curb extensions and roundabouts, as well as enhanced signage and education and awareness campaigns.
“I thank Premier Doug Ford for providing clarity on the speed camera program and for his commitment to provide financial support for municipal traffic-calming measures,” said Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan. “Road safety will always be a priority and, in Vaughan, we will do everything possible to protect vulnerable road users. But we will also focus our attention on fighting real crime and going after real criminals.”
为此,既得利益者,如多伦多市政当局,成天为这些敛财工具辩护,口口声声说那些车开得多快多快,孩子们多危险云云。乍听,有道理,细想不对:交通安全是大家的共同心声,但是为了交通安全,就一定要罚款?罚款越收越多,但是速度降下去了吗?而且,严重超速并造成实际危害的有多大比例?一次重大事故固然吓人,但是这样的事故发生的频率和概率有多大?对于交通安全,政府的作为难道就只是收钱?因为安摄像头最省事,柱子一立,财源滚滚来,何乐而不为?懒惰的行政当局为什么要淘神去想其他方法,就算有这些方法,又不能带来利益,为什么要去做?如今西方的很多政府都已经退化到逐利的境界了,人也好,政府也好,往往是学好不容易,学坏一学就会。在全球同此凉热的今天,安省政府及省长福特,还算做了点人事。
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