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
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city, marking the first franchise in Canada
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.