Etobicoke, Ontario — On the day that Ontario’s school zone speed safety cameras go dark, walkers representing parents, traffic crash victims, and seniors will deliver nearly 10k petition signatures to the Premier and travel a “marathon” on the streets surrounding his constituent office in Etobicoke. Their message is simple: this isn’t over, we will go the distance and keep fighting to protect Ontario’s kids from speeding drivers.
The event — “We Won’t Stop Until Speeding Does: A Marathon Walk to Save the Speed Safety Camera Program and Protect Ontario’s Kids” — kicks off Friday, November 14 at noon, beginning at Doug Ford’s Constituency Office (964 Albion Road), and will involve circumnavigating the block roughly 101 times (equal to 42.2 kilometers).
Folks are welcome to come and support the walkers for any or all of the marathon walk. The walkers also encourage supporters to call Premier Ford’s personal phone number at 647-612-3673 to express support for the speed safety cameras.
Participants say they’re walking in protest of the speed safety camera program being shut down, and because the Ford government is exposing Ontario’s most vulnerable road users – kids – to increased danger as they get to and from school every day.
“Our kids can’t fight speeding drivers – but we can,” said Thomas DeVito, a Toronto Father, and volunteer co-founder of Parents Against Speeding. “Premier Ford needs to stop siding with the small percentage of people who drive dangerously near schools and start siding with parents who just want their kids to come home safe. I am walking for my three-year-old, Goldie. I know thousands of parents across Ontario are going to keep fighting, too.”
Those walking today are carrying their stories – and a warning.
“I was severely injured when I was struck at high speed by a motorist. My spine was broken and my brain was damaged. I almost died twice in the aftermath. A speed safety camera could have prevented my life and future from being blown up. No parent would ever want what happened to me to happen to their own child. For a child to be injured or killed by a motorist is every parent’s worst nightmare, and many members of FFSS are living in the aftermath of this unspeakable devastation. It’s impossible for us to understand why our provincial government is hell-bent on destroying a proven, effective system that keeps kids safe.” said Jess Spieker, spokesperson for Friends and Families for Safe Streets
Data from Sick Kids show that locations with automated speed enforcement saw a 45% reduction in drivers exceeding the limit, and a marked drop in collisions. Ford’s government has only offered untruths and deflection.
Organizers are demanding a meeting with the Premier and the restoration of the speed safety camera program near Ontario’s schools.
Event Details:
What: We Won’t Stop Until Speeding Does: A Marathon Walk to Save the Speed Safety Camera Program and Protect Ontario’s Kids
When: Friday, November 14, 12:00 PM
Where: Doug Ford’s Constituency Office, 964 Albion Road
Who: Concerned Parents and Residents of Ontario
Media Contact:
Thomas DeVito, Parents Against Speeding
201-835-6900
Jessica Spieker, Friends and Families for Safe Streets
647-784-5315
advocacy@ffsafestreets.ca