Alta. to scrap photo radar on most residential roads, double ticketing within 5 minutes in 2022
The Alberta government extended its freeze on new photo radar devices on Wednesday and announced new restrictions around the controversial enforcement practice.
Starting in April 2022, photo radar will not be allowed on residential roads with a speed limit below 50 km/h unless in a school, playground or construction zone, Transportation Minister Rajan Sawhney said.
Photo radar use in school and construction zones will be restricted to when school is in session and when workers are present, respectively, the minister added.
Sawhney also promised drivers would not get multiple tickets within five minutes of each other.
"These new rules will put a stop to photo radar fishing holes or speed traps," Sawhney said. "This is about making sure photo radar will be used to improve traffic safety."
FREEZE EXTENDED
The two-year freeze on new photo radar equipment announced in December 2019 has also been extended for another year.
Sawhney explained the extension will give municipalities more time to gather and give the province data that shows why photo radar should be used in any given location with the intent to increase safety — not make money.
"It's really important to understand exactly what's happening in terms of these photo radar sites are selected, and that requires making sure that we have the data collected by the municipalities. Once you have that information, it's going to inform any other further policy changes," Sawhney said.
"The data collection aspect, which municipalities will be required to submit, is going to be used to determine what future site selection is going to look like...if it's not showing any significant reduction in safety initiative, then that would be a good reason to remove that site."
The freeze was extended to Dec. 1, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada’s youth unemployment could cost economy billions: report
The unemployment rate for Canadians between 18 and 24 was 12.8 per cent in October, according to Statistics Canada, more than double the rate of those older than 25.
'Bomb cyclone' developing off B.C. coast, potentially bringing hurricane-force winds
An Environment Canada meteorologist says a so-called "bomb cyclone" is expected to bring powerful winds to Vancouver Island and the British Columbia coast this week.
Some Canada-U.S. border crossing times will change in 2025. Here's what you need to know
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it will adjust the opening hours of crossing points across the country early next year.
Men from Ontario, B.C. charged in 'mistaken identity' shooting, RCMP say
Two men from Ontario and British Columbia have been charged in connection with a 2022 shooting that left an innocent victim seriously wounded.
Parts of Canada will see up to 30 centimetres of snow. Here's where
Canadians are bracing for a chilly start to the week as snowfall and other wintry conditions are expected to make landfall across western and eastern provinces.
New York priest who allowed Sabrina Carpenter to shoot music video in church further stripped of duties
The leader of a New York City church where pop star Sabrina Carpenter filmed provocative scenes for a music video was stripped of his duties Monday after church officials said an investigation revealed other instances of mismanagement.
Tories call on Boissonnault to resign amid apology over Indigenous ancestry claims
Members of Parliament returned to Ottawa on Monday after a weeklong break with no sign of a resolution to the House stalemate, tempers ramped back up, and renewed calls for a Liberal cabinet minister to resign — or be fired.
Alleged assassination plot against Irwin Cotler by Iranian agents foiled by law enforcement
Iranian agents allegedly plotted to assassinate Canadian human rights advocate and former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler, a longtime vocal critic of Iran. Details of the foiled plot were first reported by The Globe and Mail citing unnamed sources on Monday and confirmed to CTV News by Cotler's office.
Earth ring theory may shed light on an unexplained ancient climate event, scientists say
Famously known for its extensive ring system, Saturn is one of four planets in our solar system that have the distinctive feature. And now, scientists hypothesize that Earth may have sported its own ring some 466 million years ago.