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Edmonton Seeks Alternatives to Photo Radar Enforcement Amid New Restrictions

Following the implementation of new photo radar restrictions, Edmonton city councillors are urging a review of alternative traffic enforcement methods to maintain safe roads. The updated regulations, enacted by the Alberta government on April 1, restrict photo radar usage to school, playground, and construction zones, while local governments must now demonstrate higher collision rates to utilize speed enforcement outside of these areas.

Under the new guidelines, the ability to enforce speed at green lights has been modified to only apply for red light enforcement in locations with elevated collision statistics compared to similar sites over a three-year span. This shift has reduced the number of eligible radar locations from about 2,400 to approximately 650 across the province.

City councillor Michael Janz expressed concern over the impact of these restrictions in a growing city of 1.25 million residents. “With the province removing a vital tool for street safety, we need to know how they plan to compensate for this loss. Will more police officers be deployed? What alternatives does Edmonton have to ensure our streets remain safe?” he questioned.

The council unanimously passed a motion calling for a report from city administration by fall, outlining potential operating budget adjustments and strategies to enhance safety without incurring additional expenses. “This motion emphasizes that while something is taken away, we must ensure our streets remain safe, a priority echoed by many residents—especially families worried about speeding and shortcuts,” Janz added.

While photo radar constitutes a fraction of city budgets, Janz insists that the primary concern is public safety. “Education alone will not suffice; we require more enforcement, particularly in high-speed zones,” he stated, underscoring the importance of having a presence on the roads.

The recent regulations are the culmination of a process extending over five years, during which both the past NDP government and the current United Conservative government imposed various limitations on the deployment of photo radar. The NDP began by freezing new locations and banning radar in transition zones where speed limits change. In a significant expansion of these measures, the UCP later prohibited photo radar on residential roads with speed limits under 50 km/h, impacting many streets in Edmonton currently set at 40 km/h.

New Enforcement Measures Under Review

The restrictions also include bans on issuing multiple tickets within a brief time frame and mandates for photo radar vehicles to be easily identifiable. In construction zones, photo radar can only be enforced when workers are present, while enforcement in school zones is limited to periods when classes are in session. Recently, Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen exercised his authority to prohibit photo radar on major ring roads in Calgary and Edmonton.

As part of a refinement effort, significant engagement took place with municipalities and law enforcement across the province to eliminate “fishing hole” locations—areas where photo radar was deemed ineffective and primarily revenue-generating. Dreeshen noted that the province’s review of photo radar data yielded mixed results concerning its impact on accident rates.

To request an exemption from the new rules, municipalities must provide evidence of frequent and severe collision incidents, along with reasons why other safety measures would be ineffective. Exempt locations will face audits every two years to assess the effectiveness of the continued enforcement.

While some organizations, like the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, have welcomed the limits on photo radar, opposition comes from groups like Alberta Municipalities and the Safer Roads Alliance. “Data clearly indicates that a visible enforcement presence directly influences driver behavior, thereby enhancing safety,” stated Debbie Hammond, Executive Director of the Safer Roads Alliance, which comprises various stakeholders focused on reducing roadway fatalities.

Mark Neufeld, Chief of the Calgary Police Service and head of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, supports the effectiveness of photo radar and warns that its removal could result in increased collisions leading to serious injuries and fatalities. He cautioned that allegations framing photo radar as a financial rather than safety tool could damage public trust in law enforcement.

To compensate for the removal of photo radar, Janz suggests empowering bylaw officers to enforce speed limits similarly to police officers. “My own experience shows that non-police officers can issue tickets, and we should consider extending that capability to bylaw officers in Edmonton,” he proposed.

The provincial government continues to emphasize a shift away from photo radar as a primary enforcement tool, suggesting the introduction of a $13 million Traffic Safety Fund aimed at supporting municipalities with traffic safety enhancements at hazardous locations. However, by not replacing photo radar with adequate alternatives, critics argue that safety measures may be inadequate.

Municipalities are encouraged to seek provincial approval for exemption requests while municipal law enforcement retains the authority to conduct traditional speed enforcement throughout their areas. According to available data, conventional enforcement methods—which incorporate demerits and potential insurance impacts—are deemed more effective at altering driver behavior than automated ticketing systems.

The ongoing discourse surrounding photo radar highlights broader themes linked to governance and local autonomy, with Janz criticizing state overreach into municipal planning matters, emphasizing that city councils are better suited to address local issues. He called for clarity from the provincial government regarding its priorities and respect for municipal governance.

As the City of Edmonton seeks to adapt to these new regulations, officials are committed to finding innovative enforcement solutions that prioritize the safety of all road users in the community.

Source
globalnews.ca