“Many Albertans have expressed growing frustration with photo radar, questioning its focus on revenue rather than safety,” the government said in a Dec. 2 statement.
The province said it paused implementing new photo radar equipment in December 2019 in response to these concerns. It added that it is now taking steps to restore public trust after thorough analysis and consultation.
Come April, photo radar will be restricted to schools, playgrounds and construction zones. Intersection safety devices will also be restricted to red light enforcement only, ending the “speed-on-green” ticketing function.
Municipalities will be able to request that the province approve additional locations for photo radar on an exceptional basis. This would include high collision areas and those where other safety measures cannot be implemented effectively. The exceptions will be subject to audit every two years to assess if photo radar is effective in reducing accidents at the site.
The government is to review existing photo radar sites across the province over the next four months. Those deemed ineffective or outside of the zones with exceptions will be removed, reducing the current 2,200 approved sites by 70 per cent. This was said to better align Alberta with number of photo radar installations in other provinces.
“Currently, there are about 70 per cent more photo radar sites used in 24 Alberta municipalities than the next highest province,” the statement said. “Allowing these changes to be implemented over the next four months provides municipalities time to transition, update equipment and adjust contracts with vendors.”
Alberta first introduced photo radar in 1987. In December 2023, all photo radar sites were removed from ring roads in Calgary and Edmonton.
Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen said that the changes will, “Once and for all kill the photo radar cash cow in Alberta.”
Municipalities will also be encouraged to use traffic-calming measures to improve traffic safety, including speed warning signs, speed tables, public education campaigns and other tools for traffic safety.
The top five revenue-generating sites from 2023 were noted to be:
- “Strathcona County - Baseline Road/17 St., 52,558 tickets (144/day) $5,956,573 in fines
- Edmonton - Gateway Blvd./34 Ave., 23,977 tickets (144/day) $2,717,393 in fines
- Edmonton - 170 St./118 Ave., 20,241 tickets (55/day) $2,293,980 in fines
- Calgary - Beddington Tr./Country Hills Blvd., 19,337 tickets (53/day) $2,173,167 in fines
- Edmonton - 127 St./126 Ave., 18,705 tickets (51/day), $2,119,900 in fines.”
The province said it will also make roads safer by giving municipalities support to re-engineer roads and intersections proven to be unsafe. It said it engaged with municipalities in June and August about photo radar and specifically to discuss solutions to eliminate “fishing holes.”
“It is vital we maintain safety where it matters most — around our schools, playgrounds and construction zones. These are areas where enforcement can genuinely protect lives, not just generate revenue,” said Edmonton city councillor Tim Cartmell.
“With this new policy change," he added, "we’ll see more officers back in neighbourhoods and that visibility will help tackle the growing issues of crime and disorder — a top priority for Edmontonians and Albertans.”
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