Whereas many British Columbia local governments are experiencing rising enforcement costs and reductions in policing resources, resulting in strained police services; And whereas other jurisdictions have enabled additional law enforcement agencies to assist with speed limit enforcement: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia, through the Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General, amend provincial legislation to allow local governments, through a bylaw, the ability to enforce speed limits in school zones in order to provide an improved level of child safety; And be it further resolved that the Province provide necessary funding and support to local governments that choose to implement this new enforcement tool.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General The Province of British Columbia is committed to ensuring that our roads are safe for all road users and acknowledges the important role bylaw enforcement officers play in community safety. There are no plans to expand the scope of the authority of bylaw enforcement officers beyond the current extent of enforcing municipal or regional district bylaws in the performance of their duties. Prevention is a critical component of road safety. Local governments throughout British Columbia may be interested in utilizing local Bylaw Enforcement Officers to provide public education and awareness to citizens who may not be familiar with the rules related to school zone speeds. Local governments are also encouraged to contact ICBC regional safety coordinators to learn more about support for volunteer Speed Watch programs and loan or purchase of portable speed readers. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is also looking forward to the recommendations of the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act, which may include examining other types of public safety enforcement models to augment traditional policing services.