GVHA promotes good neighbour policy

By Josie Bannerman

Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) teamed up with the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) this summer to respond to neighbourhood concerns about taxis and buses speeding to and from the cruise ship terminal at Ogden Point.

GVHA speed reader boards and a Speed Watch Program operated by volunteer reserve constables help educate drivers. And from time to time, VicPD enforces speed limits in James Bay, and hands out speeding tickets when warranted.

Individual bus or taxi operators who get speeding tickets may lose their permits to operate out of the Ogden Point Terminal for a day or more depending on the circumstances of their offense. CEO Curtis Grad said the GVHA discussed this idea with local transportation companies, and gained their support before implementing it. "It is something we can do to show how seriously we regard speeding," Grad said, "and the taxi drivers are paying attention."