Alberta aims to cut photo radar sites by 70 percent amid safety concerns

In Alberta, Canada, the provincial government has announced significant changes to photo radar enforcement, which is set to reduce the number of active photo radar sites by 70 percent by next spring. The review process will examine all 2,200 existing sites and only retain those deemed effective in curbing traffic collisions. This move is in response to growing public frustration over the perception that photo radar is primarily a source of revenue for the government, rather than a tool for enhancing road safety. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen emphasized that these changes will end the perceived 'photo radar cash cow' and reassure the public that enforcement will be focused solely on improving safety in traffic and construction zones. Further regulations will take effect on April 1, 2025, limiting enforcement operations to school zones, recreation areas, and construction sites, effectively eliminating ticketing on numbered provincial highways. The decision represents a substantial shift in Alberta's approach to automated traffic enforcement, particularly following widespread complaints about the misuse of photo radar systems. Moreover, intersection safety devices will only focus on red-light enforcement and will conclude the use of 'speed-on-green' cameras, which had faced criticism for unfairly punishing drivers. This decision forms part of a broader strategy by the government to explore alternative methods to improve traffic safety through measures like speed warning signs, speed tables, and public education initiatives. Critics of the proposed changes, including Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld, have raised concerns about the potential negative impact on road safety. Neufeld pointed out that data supports automated traffic enforcement as an effective means to reduce serious accidents and fatalities. He warns that eliminating these systems might result in an increase in dangerous driving behaviors, potentially leading to more severe and fatal crashes. Despite the government's plans, there is a significant divide in opinion over the effectiveness of photo radar, with some defending its role in funding community programs and others advocating for its removal in favor of alternative safety measures. In the past year, controversy surrounding the revenue generated by photo radar has reached a peak, with a notable site in Strathcona County generating nearly $6 million in fines within just 144 days. It highlights the financial aspect that many believe underpins the operation of these systems in Alberta, further fueling public dissatisfaction and calls for reform. The government plans to continue engaging with municipalities for input on this issue, ensuring that any approved photo radar sites for exceptional cases, such as high-collision areas, undergo a rigorous audit every two years to assess their effectiveness. Ultimately, the outcome of these measures will set a new precedent for automated traffic enforcement in Alberta.