Alberta to Eliminate Majority of Photo Radar Enforcement on April 1.

Alberta is making sweeping changes to photo radar enforcement which will eliminate approximately 70 per cent of radar locations effective April 1. The province will limit photo speed enforcement to school, playground, and construction zones, while intersection safety devices will only issue tickets for red-light violations, ending the “speed-on-green” function.

Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen said the changes aim to “once and for all kill the photo radar cash cow” and bring Alberta in line with other provinces in the use of the divisive traffic enforcement devices. Currently, Alberta has the highest number of photo radar locations in Canada, a distinction the government says it is eager to shed.

Kara Westerlund, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta applauds the changes. ““The Minister’s announcement will ensure that the use of photo radar is focused on enhancing traffic safety on high-risk roadways,” said Westerlund. “This will result in an approach that supports safer roads without unfairly penalizing drivers.”

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has already gone further, implementing a complete moratorium on photo radar and red-light camera enforcement by choosing not to renew its contracts for these programs at the start of the year.

The provincial government says the new measures are designed to focus enforcement on areas with the greatest need for public safety, such as school and construction zones.