Proposal for cameras in school zones to slow down drivers

CALGARY- In October, school zone signs weren’t enough to protect a four year old boy and his caregiver.

The young boy and his nanny was struck by a vehicle in a Brentwood school zone.

Now, the boy’s family is speaking out and says something needs to be done to stop speeders.

Patrick Dunne’s son walked away from a crash but his caregiver is expected to be in hospital for two months — while she recovers from a brain injury.

“She was in the crosswalk, Definitely. It was 8:30 in the morning about, prime drop off time. They were hit in the intersection. in the crosswalk,” Dunne said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "She was in the crosswalk, Definitely. It was 8:30 in the morning about, prime drop off time. They were hit in the intersection. in the crosswalk," Dunne said.

“She may have picked him up at the last second and prevented him from being hit. She took the full impact of the accident it seems. He was thrown free and actually ended up partially under the car and was not touched by any of the wheels or anything which absolutely astounding.”

At this time, Dunne has asked Global News not to identify his son or the caregiver but he hopes his story will spark change.

“The idea that people are still speeding through school zones is pretty shocking that they continue to do so. I just think if there is anything that can be done to slow people down it’s gotta be done and if cameras are the answer, that’s great,” Dunne said.

The city is in discussions to see if unmanned cameras would work in playground and school zones.

The plan is to make them highly visible, so speeders slow down.

Permanent cameras in school and playground zones is just one of the ideas being offered up. A letter has been sent to the province with several recommendations and the city is still waiting to hear back.

“Can we look at lowering the speed limit in all of the residential areas? Can we increase fines? And can we look at red light cameras? That’s gone in already, so we’re hoping that’s the options out there,” Councillor Shane Keating said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Can we look at lowering the speed limit in all of the residential areas? Can we increase fines? And can we look at red light cameras? That's gone in already, so we're hoping that's the options out there," Councillor Shane Keating said.

Charges are expected to be laid against the driver in the Brentwood crash.

For Dunne, it’s about stopping it from happening to someone else.

“I’m 100% behind the whole speed cameras in school zones concept. It’s the one place we do need them. If it can stop one accident from happening, that’s a good thing,” Dunne said.