EPS closing front counters to minor crash reports, bringing in third-party to file complaints
In an effort to streamline services, Edmonton Police Service will no longer have drivers report minor crashes at stations or call police to a scene.
Instead, EPS is opening a collision reporting centre in both south and north Edmonton where motorists will file a report, including pictures, insurance information, and personal contacts.
The offices at 15750 116 Ave. and 5805 87A St. are scheduled to open in late September and are expected to free up three officers right away, and as many as 15 in the near future.
McFee said officers process about 34,000 crashes annually, a "considerable amount of administrative work."
"They can be some of the most time-consuming tasks our people perform, and they happen daily. Usually when traffic is at its heaviest, creating safety issues and frustrations for motorists," McFee said.
"[The] centre allows officers who would otherwise attend other collisions to attend higher priority calls for services and by moving the process from roadside and our front counters to a dedicated space staffed with experts."
The offices will be operated by Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI) — a company that serves as a middle man between police and insurance providers — at no cost to police or the public.
One of Edmonton's two new crash-reporting centres, located at 15750 116 Ave. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton)
Drivers will have to report crashes at these two locations within 24 hours.
"Damage to vehicles will be photographed and included in the collision report, which can be forwarded directly to the driver's insurer at their request," ASSI president Steve Sanderson explained.
"We take 11 pictures; we photograph the damage, we photograph the backseat for baby seats, we photograph the steering wheel to see if the airbag's been deployed."
ASSI has 41 centres across Canada, including in Grande Prairie and Medicine Hat.
Major collisions – those involving a fatality or criminal element, or which require EMS response – should still be called in to 911.
Collisions must be reported to police if the vehicles have a combined damage of more than $2,000.
Police will also continue to attend crashes as required by legislation – such as in the case of a suspended driver – and when the crash involved dangerous goods transportation or resulted in extensive damage.
Once the reporting centres are open, EPS station front counters will not take reports for all other minor crashes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.